“Few projects in recent times have excited me as much as Bakkanali”
Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com
Bakkanali is the brainchild of two friends (one is Sebastian, winemaker at one of our favourite producers, Podere Le Ripi) united by a dream to celebrate the ecstasy of life, wine and food and make wine their way. We are huge fans of this exciting new project and were thrilled to see a glowing write up from Tuscan expert Walter Speller, on JancisRobinson.com, after he visited the estate.
The 4.5 hectare Poggioferro vineyard lies at 600 metres above sea level on the western slope of Monte Amiata, a volcano in the heart of the Tuscan countryside that has been dormant for 180,000 years, on the doorstep of Montalcino. The complex marl soil is rich in iron carbonates and calcareous rocks, lending their 15-year-old Sangiovese vines a distinct touch of iron.
An organically farmed site, it is currently undergoing biodynamic conversion, and to allow the fruit to express this unique terroir, fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts and maturation is in stainless steel vats. Only a very small dose of SO2 is added at bottling.
The Bakkanali Rosso is 100% Sangiovese, with minimal intervention and little oak, to let the purity of the Sangiovese grape shine through. The 2022 Bakkanali Rosa is a bold and intense pink rosé made from 100% Sangiovese, with a sophisticated and juicy palate bursting with pomegranate, rhubarb and red berries, with only 1,000 bottles produced. The 2022 Bakkanali Kab, from just one hectare of Cabernet Sauvignon vines, is incredibly lifted and vibrant – a cool expression of this classic grape variety with lively acidity, grippy tannins and sour cherries.
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Bakkanali, Rosa 2022 IGT Toscana
Very pale fuchsia. Taut strawberry and raspberry with the merest hint of bread crust but not from having been on the fine lees as it is racked several times and bottled early to keep its freshness. Electrifying acidity and fresh raspberry fruit all the way through. 17 pts, Walter Speller
Drink 2023 – 2027
Bakkanali, Kab 2022 IGT Toscana
Deep crimson. Super-distinctive nose with hints of blackcurrant overlaid with sour-cherry and saline notes. Fresh, long and bursting with personality. Gravelly tannins underline the fruit, and there’s plenty of acidity. As wild as Monte Amiata itself. 17 pts, Walter Speller
Drink 2023 – 2028
Lustrous youthful ruby. Invigorating sour-cherry and blackberry nose with hints of morocco leather, mace and cumin and minerally saline notes. Succulent, with a full spread on the palate, but astonishingly has only 12.5% alcohol. Fine, gritty tannins fill up the background. Long, super-distinctive and vibrant. 17.5 pts, Walter Speller
Drink 2023 – 2030