Podere La Cerreta is the full package. No concept has been left behind in consideration of a full ecosystem at this estate and they give complete dedication to the biodynamic philosophy that works with all things in the farm's local space, as well as its ties to the universe it rests within. Situated in the northern stretches of Maremma in Tuscany, in the area of Sassetta, this land is a bit magical, as newly discovered thermal pools on the property make for a heavenly escape at their agriturismo, farm, restaurant, and winery. All of their property is Demeter certified biodynamic, worked by hand, and where it focuses on the wine, is as natural in process as possible. Natural fertilizers and treatments in the vineyard and winery, indigenous yeasts fermentations, very old wood barrels for aging and development, and zero sulfur additions, make for wines that live and breathe with the natural harmony of the land.
la cerreta 'matis'
100% vermentino The Matis is a remarkable expression of 100% Vermentino from the vineyards at La Cerreta. The name ‘Matis’ was Mattia’s nickname as a child, and the label depicts his name, the hills, and the stars above, all coming together in perfect harmony. One of the estates’ eight hectares is planted solely to Vermentino, and is dedicated for this wine. After a hand harvest, the grapes are pressed in full clusters immediately, and split up equally into stainless steel vats and old barrels for a natural fermentation. The wine rests until the following September, when it is bottled, having never seen any additions of sulfites. Remarkably savory and floral on the nose, with peaches and apricots, all leading to a full texture in the mouth, loads of fruit and hints of spice, and a slightly nutty finish. Ideal for cheeses and salumi, the Matis should open up in a decanter, or can age for years to come in bottle. |
la cerreta 'solatio della cerreta'
sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, foglia tonda, colorino, barsaglina The Solatìo della Cerreta takes its name from the local name for the oak trees in the forest (Cerreta, for which the estate is named) and for the vineyard site that is in a perfect position for a long day of sun (Solatìo means ‘sunny place’). This vineyard is harvested together and roughly gives the breakdown for the grapes in the wine: 80% Sangiovese, and 4% each of Barsaglina, Foglia Tonda, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. A natural fermentation in very old barrique and large botti takes place with about 10% of the grapes remaining in whole clusters. In total the wine rests for 10 months before bottling, never seeing any additions of sulfur, and then rests for a year or two before being released to the market. The finished wine is rustic yet polished and classically smooth. Dark fruits mix with spice and herbs and earth to round out a strong acidity and tannic core, giving remarkable depth that leads to a long finish. 
la cerreta 'rio de' messi'
cabernet sauvignon, merlot The Rio de’Messi is the estate’s true ‘Super Tuscan’ blend, working with only Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. A stunning combination because it comes from these amazing clay soils, that are surrounded by a small creek/river called the Rio de’Messi, where the wine takes its name. The label shows the river as the outline of the shape of Tomasso’s (Mattia’s brother) face, along with images from the sea and the sky. The Cabernet naturally ferments and ages in 70% old oak barrels (7+ uses), and 30% new oak, while the Merlot stays in old barrels. When the wines come together for their 80/20 blending after 16-18 months, the bottling occurs and sulfites were not used in any step of the entire process. The resulting wine is nothing short of spectacular, with the decadence that these two noble grapes can showcase throughout the world, but with the purity and focus that this particular terroir has to offer. Dark brambly fruit, savory spice, grippy texture, and balanced acidity prevail from start to finish on the palate. An age worthy bottle of wine that calls for contemplation, or a juicy rare steak. |
la cerreta 'stancavizi'
100% sangiovese The Stancavizi takes its name from a local inside joke that refers to a person that accepts wine and drinks whenever they can, as long as they aren’t paying – a freeloader. This is the top wine of the estate and only made in exceptional vintages, and therefore plays with the irony of the name, since everyone knows a ‘Stancavizi’ who would be more than happy to drink the most special wine that a winery produces. When the estate’s Sangiovese is just right, the grapes come into the cellar for a natural fermentation in old barrels and one stainless steel tank. It ages for one year before it is bottled without the use of sulfites, and rests for one to two years before it is released to the market. The wine found in the glass is an remarkable display of Sangiovese at its finest from these clay soil fields. So dense and packed with complexity, yet so balanced with fresh fruit and beautiful acidity, this wine lasts on the palate long after the sip has been swallowed. |