Franchetti 2014
The petit verdot was harvested the 26th and 27th of October while the vineyard was still pushing new elements into the fruit, their metabolism still in ascent: There is no over-ripeness. In the glass, the liquid is rich and inky, but bright. The aromas of camphor, elderflower, and red fruits that are slightly smoked are apparent, but one can tell that the richness of the wine really comes from the enormity of the tannic structure. It resonates with vibrations like those emanating from the lower chords of a piano, filling the mouth to the brim.
Vineyard age: 13 years
Vineyard area: 2 hectares
Vineyard density: 12,300 vines per Ha
Vineyard altitude: 1,000 m a.s.l.
Yield per hectare: 17 Hl/Ha
Fertilization: None
Spraying: Sulphur, copper, propolis, lime, clay, grapefruit seed extract
Harvest: 26-27 October
Vinification: Fermentation in 30hl steel vats for 14 days
Aging: 6 months in new French oak barriques and 14 months in large cement vessels
Bottling: Waning moon of April 2016
Production: 3,000 bottles
REVIEWS
Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate, 95+ points: “This is a spectacular wine that represents a unique blend of 70% Petit Verdot and 30% Cesanese d’Affile. Andrea Franchetti’s namesake 2014 Franchetti is a darkly saturated and generously exuberant wine. The wine’s appearance is marked by an inky dark, almost impenetrable appearance. The bouquet is overtly opulent and rich with bold fruit tones followed by spice, leather and crushed granite stone. This is a very special wine that is full of personality and generosity. Only 3,000 bottles were produced.”
Ian D’Agata, Vinous Media, 94 points: “Fully saturated inky purple. Powerful aromas of cassis, blueberry, vanilla, cedar and black currant leaf. Then amazingly creamy, supple and plush, but showing outstanding energy to seamless, sweet dark berry and spicy flavors complemented by candied violet. A huge wine with a long, suave finish featuring sweet dark berry compote notes, but vibrant acidity keeps it very light on its feet. The creamy mouthfeel is a dead ringer for Franchetti’s Tuscan Tenuta di Trinoro wine. (Drinking window: 2017 – 2025)”
International Wine Report, 95 points, Top 100 Wine of 2017: “The 2014 Franchetti is a captivating blend of 70% Petit Verdot and 30% Cesanese d’Affile, which spent 6 months in new French oak barriques and 14 months in large cement vessels. This instantly dazzles with a seductive bouquet of ripe blackberries and blueberries woven together with smoke, violets, white pepper and exotic spices all taking shape. On the palate this is remarkably concentrated with outstanding depth, driven by gorgeous sweet red and black fruits at its core. Balanced and focused, this continues to impress as it expands effortlessly onto the beautifully textured, plush finish which lingers on. Overall, this expressive, flamboyant red from Andrea Franchetti is a wonderful example of what can be achieved with these varietals on Mt. Etna. (Best 2017-2028)”
I Vini di Veronelli 2017, 93 points
