I Selvatici is an estate located in Montevarchi in Arezzo province in Tuscany, Italy. It produces Chianti Colli Aretini DOCG reds and a Vin Santo del Chianti Colli Aretini DOC.

Etymology: The name means ‘the wild ones’.

Owner: Giuseppe Sala (+39 338.1036382). Speaks very good English. Giuseppe worked at Opus One from 1997-1999). His father is Fausto (Fausto’s brother and Giuseppe’s uncle, Carlo, was involved until 2004).

Vineyards: Chianti Colli Aretini. 41ha including 14.5ha of vineyards; gravel and sand; 250 metres. All cordone speronato. Vine density 4,300 vines per ha.

Organics: 2005 Not organic.

Winery: Stainless, cement for Chianti.

White wines

*Malvagia: 100% Malvasia Bianca Lunga Toscana. The wine was inspired by a book written in 1685 by renowned author and scientist, Francesco Redi. Upon reading this praise of the “Malvagia di Montegonzi”, the estate spent 15-years to reconstruct this ancient wine. This pinpointed a process that closely mirrors historical winemaking concepts. The white grapes are not pressed, but are left to drain naturally. Then the must is fermented under strict temperature control without the skins, and decanted twice. Next, the wine is briskly fermented for just 2 weeks in French Oak barrels, enough time to impart a very light flavor of vanilla and spice that the wine gently embraces. Finally, Malvasia Bianca is aged a scant six months in the bottle, preserving its freshness. ‘All in all, we belive it to be the most delicious history lesson you’ll ever taste, say the owners.

Red wines

Chianti Colli Arentini DOCG Riserva: 2000 90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo. Unoaked. Nice clean light red fruit (Visit 10th March 2005).

Chianti DOCG Riserva, Titolato I Selvatici: 85% Sangiovese Toscano, 10% Canaiolo Toscano, 5% Mammolo. An authentic Chianti, made with traditional methods-including the use of both concrete containers and stainless. 2 years in concrete. Drink for up to 10 years-well beyond the average Chianti.

Sangiovese di Toscana IGT, Capitolare di Cardisco, Rosso: 100% Sangiovese. Over 500 micro-fermentations over many years to get it right. Released after 4 years. The young wine is aged for two years in steel containers, where it is decanted three times. Then, Cardisco receives its signature woody notes by maturing in a combination of American and French Oak for full 18 months prior to release. The result is a full-bodied wine that could last 20 years or more.

Sweet wines

Vin Santo del Chianti Colli Aretini DOC: Dried grape wine. | 1996 85% Malvasia Bianca Lunga Toscana, 10% Trebbiano Toscano, 5% Sangiovese for the colour. 6 years in caratelli. 3,000 x 375ml bottles. Just 500 to sell here, rest is for Kendall-Jackson in the USA. Very good sherry style with elegant fruit, nice (visit 10th March 2005). | 2020 90% Malvasia Bianca Lunga Toscana, 5% San Colombano, 5% Sangiovese.

Other activities: Agritourism, a villa divded into three appartments (8 pax); swimming pool too (small one).

Contact

I Selvatici

Via Ricasoli, 61

52025 Montevarchi (AR), Italy

Tel+39 055.901146 | www.iselvatici.it

Bibliography

Visit on 10th March 2005.