'Super Sangiovese' Blend from Bologna

Often referred to as the culinary capital of Italy, Emilia-Romagna is the original home of some of the best known foods in the entire world from Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano to filled pasta like tortellini and even Bolognese sauce. The signature grape of the region is Sangiovese, specifically the Sangiovese Romagnolo clone, with a winemaking history dating back to Etruscan times.

Located in the beautiful hills at the edge of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, the Tenuta Folesano winery has a special place in the history of the medieval city of Bologna. Remarkably, the grounds of the estate are clearly marked on 16th century renaissance maps in the museum of the Vatican.

Today, this boutique winery is run by a passionate mother and son team who embrace biodynamic agricultural practices. The governing philosophy is to create delicious and structured wines with minimal impact on the environment, always mindful that “the location must remain as the protagonist”.

The colourful Balanzone character featured on the bottle is the most famous mask of the Emilian Carnival and the Commedia dell’Arte. His costume signifies that he is a professor from Bologna – home to the world’s oldest university. Balanzone, also known as “Il Dottore”, loves great food, wine and philosophy, but is really a comic foil, meant to poke a bit of fun at the indulgent, educated elite of the capital city.

Organically certified, the 2017 'Balanzone' Bologna Rosso Colli Bolognesi DOC is a marvellous blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. This powerful wine is deep in colour, ruby red but almost opaque. On the nose, fruit aromas present first, with dark spices following. Generous dark fruit characters dominate the palate – plum, cassis, dark cherries and black currant, with a hint of liquorice. This full-bodied, fruit forward style will pair brilliantly with grilled and roasted meats or regional pasta dishes with tomato based sauces or ragu.

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