FABBRICA DI SAN MARTINO
Arcipressi 2021
Tuscany, Italy
From the Fabbrica’s original vineyard planted over clay and limestone, one of the most remarkable we have ever stepped foot in. Though less than a hectare, the seventy year old parcel is home to over a dozen native varietals with an ancient olive tree at its heart. This is a true field blend and the grapes are handpicked at once and fermented together for a week on their skins, before being pressed off to vat for a short rest. Bottled young, it is the kind of vibrant, perfumed red wine that one can drink with gusto, day and night.
Aleatico, Colorino, Canaiolo, Malvasia Nera, Sangiovese, Local Varieties
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
The Fabbrica di San Martino was founded in 1735 in the hills outside of the town of Lucca.
Having run one of Lucca’s favourite trattorias for many years, Beppe Ferrua began tending the vines here several decades ago and without any formal training, set about learning by working alongside and watching carefully the contadini who had looked after the land for many years.
A twenty hectare property surrounded by woodland, the two and a half hectares of vines are exposed south and sit within an area of great biological diversity. Having discovered that the vineyards had never been subject to chemicals, he decided to continue this way of farming, later converting the farm to biodynamics. In a picturesque setting, the vines share pride of place with a seventeenth century villa, ancient olive trees, cows and donkeys.
In the farm’s tiny cantina, Beppe does the simple things well, producing decidedly old-fashioned wines full of soul, purity and sense of place. One of the most passionate and intuitive cooks we know, it comes as little surprise that his wines make so much sense on the table, having a real affinity with Tuscany’s rich cuisine.