San Ferdinando's estate is spread over 60 hectares in the heart of Tuscany in the area of Val di Chiana noted for its oil and wine production. The Grifoni family, inspired by the passion and by the respect for this land, purchased the farm in 1998. Their vineyards, at an altitude of 300 metres above sea level, occupy a total area of nine hectares and are planted with local Ciliegiolo, Sangiovese, Pugnitello and Vermentino. Everything is done according to organic principles and the most of the vineyard activities are rigorously carried out by hand, all supervised by Simone Grifoni. Weedkillers and insecticides are completely banned with plants sown in the vineyard rows and only green manures are used. Podere Gamba is the vineyard name, lying on stony, clay soils and the blend is 85% Sangiovese and 15% Pugnitello. The two grapes are vinified separately in stainless steel tanks before being transferred into Allier oak barrels for eight months before bottling.
A dark cherry-red in colour with scents of forest fruit, cherry and liquorice. Silky and smooth on the palate with a hint of spice and further cherry flavours. The tannins are soft and the finish clean and juicy. Like all Chiantis, this makes for a great food wines. Try with pasta and a Tuscan Salsa Verde, rigatoni with basil and cherry tomatoes or Braciole di Maiale (sautéed pork chops with rosemary.)