Chiara Condello Le Lucciole Riserva 2022

Chiara Condello farms 7 hectares in Predappio, a hillside zone of Romagna known for serious Sangiovese, working organically and with minimal intervention. Le Lucciole Riserva is a single-variety Sangiovese, the grape that defines central Italy and shows its site with unusual clarity. The Predappio hills carry marl and clay-limestone soils that give Sangiovese its firm acidity, fine tannin and savoury, earthy character, while the altitude and cool nights preserve freshness and aromatic detail. Organic farming favours balance over sheer ripeness. The wine ages 24 months in foudres, large old oak casks that let it breathe and soften through slow oxygen exchange while adding little wood flavour, so the fruit and the herbal, mineral side of the terroir stay in the foreground. The colour is bright ruby with a garnet edge. The nose shows sour cherry, plum and red berries over dried herbs, leather, tobacco and earth. The palate is medium to full bodied, with fine, firm tannin, bright acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18C, decanting half an hour ahead. It suits grilled beef, roast lamb and tomato-based pasta.