Azienda Agricola Serraiola

Serraiola Winery


Monterotondo Marittimo (GR)

Visited 30-11-2010

Out in the Maremman countryside, a frontier of sorts, where you can still find the traditional ‘butteri’ cowboys of the region. A Wild West type place where jobs are hard and life is satisfying; this is where you will find the Serraiola Winery. A simple estate with a feel of pure functionality. The microclimate is distinct in that they are right along the Corneo River and thus have a unique mix of the metal rich soils combined with softer elements deposited from the river over the many years. The owner and winemaker, Fiorella Lenzi, has a warm personality that shows a quiet confidence in her project. The estate has been in the family for many years and they have been producing wines for longer than most in the area. Of course Sangiovese and Vermentino are produced, but also an interesting mix of international grapes.


1) Vermentino 2009 Monteregio di Massa Marittima D.O.C.
A youthful wine with a light straw yellow color. The nose is mellow and focused on the grassy notes with hints to the sandy influence in the soil. Green apple, winter melon fruit on the finish. A straight forward versatile white wine.

2) ‘Violina’ 2009 Maremma Toscana I.G.T. (Chard-Sauv. Blanc-Traminer)
Again a youthful looking white, starbright, with a light straw yellow color with green hues towards the edges. The nose is a bit more intense with dry grass, green herbs and a touch of natural smoky elements. A fruity palate of ripe peach and sweet meyer lemon supported by firm acidity on a moderately long rounded finish. Also a sandy note to the minerality enhanced by a stronger rocky element.

3) ‘Serrabacio’ 2009 Maremma Toscana I.G.T. (Marsanne-Roussanne)
Surprised, well so was I to see these grapes in this region. Both grapes are most common in the Rhone Valley in France, Marsanne from the North only and Roussanne from both the North and South. Almost all the white wines from the Northern Rhone, except Condrieu, are going to be comprised of this blend. Also becoming more common in warm climates in California and Australia, to a lesser extent. Light golden color with a medium concentration and a high viscosity (14% abv). Yellow apples figs and quince fruits with some almond skin and marzipan. A ripe warm palate with moderate acidity to balance the alcohol on the finish. This wine does see barrique influence with battonage.

4) ‘Cervone’ 2009 Monteregio di Massa Marittima D.O.C. (Sangiovese)\
Light bright and youthful with a pale garnet color and light concentration. The berry fruits are ripe and a touch dark, with tinges of herbs and a soft earthiness. A light bodied red that is soft and easy to drink.

5) ‘Lentisco’ 2008 Monteregio di Massa Marittima D.O.C. (Sangiovese)
Daybright garnet color with a medium concentration and a soft rim variation forming. The tears have a medium viscosity and show no staining. An earthy nose here, dark cool earth with a mossy tinge and red berries fruits lightly smoked. There are red cherries and strawberries on the palate that have a warm ripe quality, like cooked fruit (jammy), on a dry palate with a medium finish and tinges of green herbs on the edges. The tannins and acids are soft and in balance here. One year in barrique, and in bottle since 2-2010.

6) Shiraz 2008 Maremma Toscana I.G.T.
Pure Syrah/Shiraz with a ruby red color wit h Med+ concentration and tears that show staining on Med+ viscosity. Baked cherries and dried red fruits with hints of black violets and compacted dark earth. A warm nose and a warm dry finish with firm tannins. It went well with a little fatty meat. One year in barrique.

7) ‘Campo Montecristo’ Maremma Toscana I.G.T. 2008 & 2007 (Merlot)
A bright wine with a deep garnet color strong in concentration. A highly aromatic nose which is strongly influenced by the barrique aging. Plums and blueberries with vanillin. Currants and dark dry earth wake up on the palate which is long and warm. As the wine warmed in my glass more of the secondary flavors emerged. The 2008 needs time to harmonize.

The 2007 was still youthful but the extra year had given it more integrated aromas and had softened the influence of the oak. More floral and earth notes, as well as a peppery spice and the tobacco leaf and subtle cedar notes from the softened oak on the back end.

I found the wines here to be straightforward and enjoyable. They were all true to their terroir, and the house style overall was one that emphasized the earthy flavors inherent in their site. Thank you again to Fiorella for sharing with me her cellar and her wines.

http://www.serraiola.it/

For information regarding the wines of the Maremma and/or Tuscany including high class luxury wine and golf tours and holidays in the Tuscany region visit the website of the premier tour company,
http://www.maremmaevents.com/ to begin planning your next vacation. Salute!

Sangiovese in full ripeness