Tenute Venturini Foschi, Emilia Romagna

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting a dear friend Pier Foschi and his talented architect wife Emanuela Venturini, who in 2018 have embarked on a venture to create a new winery in Varano dei Marchesi, Medesano, Emilia Romagna. My dear friend Pier, a Knight of the Italian Republic, would be the first to admit that his passion for the world of winemaking was born from his life long appreciation of excellent wines and a deep rooted love for the stunning countryside in his region, which is revered for producing some of Italy’s finest foods.

The purchase of lands destined to plant a vineyard not far from his architectural masterpiece of a new home was a giant step into the unknown, a “punt” some might say. I for one, was somewhat sceptical about this huge project and greatly admired the courage behind it.

Their first wine was produced in 2019…

On this beautiful autumnal morning, fresh and crisp with azure skies overhead I took my first view of the well manicured vineyards that almost entirely surrounds an old, stone clad, large farmhouse and a stunningly designed modern building in brick, with vast metal framed picture windows, that just had to be the cellar, and tasting room.

Less than 10 years since it was established, Tenute Venturini Foschi winery now produces 10 labels, and I was looking forward to taste and review every one of them on this first visit.  The tasting revealed wines are very well crafted, expressive, some with unique nuances, all showing individual character, well balanced and solid in their delivery.

Furthermore, among the 10 note worthy wines, was one unexpected stunner! A truly memorable red wine from an indigenous grape, that I never heard of called ERVI: a black grape variety obtained in the 70’s by Prof. Mario Fregoni, by crossing Barbera and Croatina, and recognised as suitable for cultivation in Emilia Romagna. Not many winemakers have been encouraged to invest in this variety, but my friend and his enologist decided to plant one hectare of the estate’s 24 hectares under vine and the results are extraordinary. This wine goes under the name of Ca’ Fontani (see tasting notes that follow below).

Some general information about the winery: the soils are varied, non calcareous, loamy and slightly acidic in some areas, all that contribute to the richness and aromatic nuances found in some of the wines. Other parts of the estate comprise of rich clay soils, ideal for Malvasia, especially in medium altitude areas. In addition, there are sandy, gravely and limestone soils that benefit Cabernet Sauvignon. Small amounts of Syrah are produced, these tend to benefit from schistose and granitic soils.

White wines make up 25% of production, their Spumante 15% to  20% and reds can be attributed to the remainder. Vine density planting is approximately 4,000 plants per hectare.

Tasting Notes

Sophia Vino Spumante di Qualità 2019

Chardonnay 60% Pinot Nero 40%

Straw yellow in colour with gold and copper reflections. Aromas of yellow apple, distant pear, a whiff of lemon verbena and crushed hazelnut. Medium plus perlage, creamy, flinty, showing textural depth. Linear. Persistent. With saline note on the exit.

Points 90 TW

Velo IGT Emilia Rosato 2023

Ciliegiolo 90% Grenache 10%

Salmon pink in colour with pink rose blush undertone.

Aromas of vegetal nature, cut grass, damp earthy notes, distant moss and basil. Showing pomegranate and rhubarb, mild spice notes, essence of bitter citrus. Medium bodied. Broad. Intense. Crunchy tannins. Wry but friendly acidity. Fruit core reveals itself again on the close.

Points 88 TW

Gemma IGT Emilia Malvasia 2021

Malvasia 100% Residual sugar 4 g/l

Bright yellow in colour with copper reflections. Floral aromas of yellow blossom, honeysuckle and gardenia. White peach, lychee, honeydew melon. Medium bodied. Fresh. Lively. Well balanced. Medium length on the finish.

Points 90 TW

Gemma Gentile IGT Emilia Malvasia 2019

Malvasia di Candia Aromatica. Residual sugars 12 g/l

Golden yellow in colour. A variation of the previous wine, this time softer, more approachable to a delicate palate. Showing yellow floral aromas such as buttercup, broom and daffodil. Baked yellow apple, nutmeg, distant eucalyptus, pine needles. Warm and demi sec upon entry. Tannins have dissolved into the wine. Lingers on the close.

Points 91 TW

Fonio IGT Emilia Chardonnay 2022

Chardonnay 100%

Intense straw yellow in colour.

Profound bouquet notes of white florals and acacia, ripe orchard fruits such as green apple and pear, peach and distant tropical fruits with a whiff of banana. Medium bodied. Light textural resonance. Fresh. Vibrant. Linear. Medium length on the finish.

Points 90 TW

Jackie IGT Emilia Rosso 2022

Rebo 40% Merlot 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Syrah 10%

Medium ruby red in colour, slightly opaque with purple rim. Aromatics of violet and bluebell florals with black berry fruits, liquorice, bitter chocolate and distant humus. Blackberry, blackcurrant, plum, mild toasted tobacco and white smoke. Fruity upon entry, lively with textural depth. A shade below full bodied. Distant spice on the close. Long articulated finish.

Points 92 TW

Due Mondi IGT Emilia Rosso 2021

Merlot 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Cabernet Franc 20%

Bright garnet red in colour. Florals of violet, iris and red blossom. Dark cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, blond tobacco, balsam, liquorice, dark chocolate and mild spice, all floating on a thin vegetal bed. Secondary notes of oaky vanilla, red berry fruits and distant garden herbs. Needed plenty of aeration to open up. Fresh tannins vie with lively acidity. Vibrant. Balanced. Smoky character on the linear close.

Points 92 TW

Ca’ Fontani IGT Emilia Rosso 2022

ERVI 100%

Purple red in colour, with ruby red undertones. Aromas of sweet spice, Bing cherry, purple florals, chocolate, red berry, black berry, plum fruit compote. Smooth entry, light in its textural resonance, showing elegance and star appeal. Pulses energy. Intensely appealing. Forward fruits supported by solid but slender structure. Long and broad on

the finish.

Points 96 TW

Emy IGT Emilia Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Sauvignon Blanc 100%

Bright straw yellow in colour. Aromas of spring floral including daffodil and buttercup. Tropical fruits abound. Notes of fennel pollen and elderflower. Citrus oil. Fresh upon entry, energy coming from friendly acidity. Bright and translucent. Medium length on the close.

Points 89 TW

EOS IGT Emilia Malvasia Passito 2021

Malvasia di Candia 100%

Amber in colour with copper tones. Aromatics of baked golden plum, candied fruits, caramel, dried pineapple, delicate spice, vanilla notes. Well balanced, seamless and slightly exotic.

Points 91 TW

Acknowledgement:

My sincere thanks to Cavaliere Pier Foschi and Signora Emanuela Venturini for the generous invitation to experience their remarkable project. Also to Jacqueline Nava Venturini for organising the wine tasting.

© Tony Wood Italian Wine 2025