Fondo San Giuseppe ‘Ciarla’ is a beautifully crafted 100% Riesling Renano (Rhine) from the Romagnolo Apennines. Grapes are harvested from old vines that are over 25 years old planted in 0.7 hectares of vineyard. Riesling does best in cool climates. The vineyards are located at 400 m above sea level and have northeast exposure, fostering conditions for gradual maturation and development of the aromatic qualities of the Riesling grape. Aged partly in stainless steel and large wood casks. Certified organic, no fining, no filtering.
An intriguing Riesling with structure and complexity. The rich bouquet reveals floral notes of jasmine and elder, exotic fruity notes and aromatic herbs. On the palate, it is dry, with characteristic citrusy and tropical fruit flavours, supported by splendid acidity and freshness. Notes of saline and a terrific long lasting taste. Drink now and forget a bottle or two in the cellar for 3-4 years, letting the Riesling’s distinguishing hydrocarbon notes emerge. An amazing white wine to enjoy all summer long. Great as an aperitif, delicious with Saffron Risotto and a delight with raw, cured and smoked fish dishes, e.g. Tuna Tartare.
The name ‘Ciarla’ means ‘to talk’ - a wine that speaks about itself, reveals itself and discloses its territory of origin”. This wine speaks volumes, enjoy the ‘conversation.’
$ 314.16 / case
$ 52.36 / bottles
1 Case / 6 x 750 ml
Fondo San Giuseppe is located in the heart of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines, in the Lamone River Valley of Emilia Romagna. Stefano Bariani founded Fondo San Giuseppe in 2008. After 10 years of working with prestigious wineries, including the renowned Angelo Gaja in Barbaresco, Stefano made the courageous decision to pursue his dream of becoming a winemaker.
Returning home to Emilia Romagna, Stefano found the perfect land in Brisighella in the province of Ravenna, 400 m above sea level in the Valpiana sub area, a natural and unspoiled landscape, completely surrounded by woods and rich in biodiversity. Set in a beautiful panorama of mountains, Brisighella is known for the fertility of its soil and agriculture.
“I chose Brisighella because I believe it is a village located in a still intact valley, where nature has remained intact, with the river and the hills, the olive trees and the many woods”.
The winery is made up of 5 hectares of vineyards and 11 hectares of woodland. Certified organic, Stefano is dedicated to a natural approach in winemaking, rigorously organic in the vineyard and non-interventionist in the cellar. The philosophy is all about quality rather than quantity, producing fine wines that are handcrafted with utmost respect for the environment.
His production is predominantly focused on white varieties favoured by high altitudes and exposures: Albana, Trebbiano, Rhine Riesling, Chardonnay and Marsanne, along with small vineyards of red varieties Albana Nera and the rare Centesimino variety.
DISASTROUS FLOODS: PRECIOUS VINEYARDS LOST
Emilia Romagna was hit by devastating floods this past month. Described as “Italy’s worst flood in 100 years,” the Romagnolo part of the region was the worst affected. Fondo San Giuseppe is among the wineries most significantly damaged by devastating landslides in the hills of Brisighella. The landslides have covered part of his vineyards and other parts are isolated due to metre deep cracks created in the earth. Stefano has sadly lost about 35% of the 5 hectares of vineyard he owns. He expects it will take 4 years to ‘settle everything in the vineyard.’ In the next month, they will wait for everything to dry, uproot the most damaged vineyards and clear the land. In Stefano’s words
“We are guests of Mother Nature. We cannot cry for what we have lost, we can only restart and preserve this natural patrimony which belongs to everyone”
Our heartfelt support goes out to Stefano of Fondo San Giuseppe, along with all our producers and families of Emilia Romagna. Forza e Coraggio!
Sandra Colosimo
Author