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Villa Cafaggio

Villa Cafaggio is a long established estate in Greve, central to the Chianti Classico region. Currently under the direction of Stefano Farkas, the set-up is forward thinking, with a very modern winery. Both the straight Classico and the Riserva from this estate have a reputation for providing good value drinking. There is also the Solatio Basilica Riserva, a top-of-the-class Riserva produced only in excellent years. The Solatio Basilica vineyard was the only remaining vineyard when Stefano Farkas began restoration of the ancient property in the 1960s, and it has since been extensively replanted. The San Martino vineyard was next for restoration, being planted up in the 1970s - the wine produced is 100% Sangiovese. Not long after Farkas grafted Cabernet Sauvignon onto some Canaiolo rootstock, and the fruit is the source of Cortaccio, a 90% Cabernet Sauvignon/10% Sangiovese blend.

In the 1980s Stefano Girelli, of the northern Italian negociant Casa Girelli, invested in Villa Cafaggio. With this sort of financial backing the estate has continued to go from strength to strength, and their presence on Girelli's export portfolio means the wines are enjoyed worldwide. (1/8/03)

Contact details:
Address: Via San Martino in Cecione 5, 50022 Panzano
Telephone: +39 055 854 9094
Fax: +39 055 854 9096
Internet: www.villacafaggio.it

Villa Cafaggio - Tasting Notes

Tasted in September 2005. Click to locate stockists:

Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico 2003: Rich, deep, purple-black inky, opaque hue. Very 2003 in style; super ripe blueberry and chocolate fruit, with a note of black pepper. Voluptuous texture, with low acidity, but pleasingly it has a ripe, grippy, tannic backbone. Beautiful dark fruit flavours, with a firm grippy finish. Short finish. Simply lovely; for current drinking, although again the style will not appeal to all. An impressive 17/20

The following were tasted in January and August 2003.

Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva 1999: A good colour to this wine, which is still showing its youth. This comes through on the nose also, which is full of firm, smoky, blackcurrant and blackberry jam. On the palate, it is lean and structured. There's great extract, firm tannins and ripe but crunchy, acidic fruit. With air it builds a little more texture, but otherwise it's fairly austere. It drinks quite well with food now, but would also benefit from 1-3 years in the cellar. Very good, with potential for improvement. Label

Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva 1998: A nice colour, a fairly deep purple-red. There's plenty of smoke-edged black cherry fruit on the nose, which has considerable appeal. The wine's great texture is immediately apparent on entry, velvety and rich with good fruit extract. Ripe, appropriate tannins, a typical vein of acidity, but one which is nicely balanced. Lovely violet character alongside the black fruits. Very good.

The following wine was tasted in September 2002.

Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico 1999: A lovely, rich colour. There is an enticing character on the nose, which has high-toned notes, black fruits and black olive aromas. The palate is just lovely, medium-bodied, but with a full, rounded texture. There is a great combination of soft black fruits, deliciously chewy tannins and strong acidity. There's a sweet edge to the fruit, but overall this is structured and balanced. Very good. Label

Villa Cafaggio

Villa Cafaggio - Tasting Notes

Tuscany