Deep ruby red, tending to garnet. Nose: concentrated, powerful, characteristic, redolent of forest fruits. With age it acquires spicy hints and becomes almost velvety. Palate: full-bodied, rounded and austere, it softens with age. Rare microclimate, focused clonal research and careful selection of the best grapes and peculiar enhancement of Friulian indigenous vine varieties create a limited production which embraces the special characteristics of the typical Collio vineyards.
They are the whites and reds of the Sant’Helena line, a superior expression of the quality of Fantinel wines. Within the gorgeous frame of the vineyards in Vencò-Dolegna del Collio, a few steps from the boundary with Slovenia, Tenuta Sant’Helena stands out. The mild climate, provided by the pro- tection of the Julian Alps northwards and the openness to the Adriatic sea southwards and the fertile soil made up of sandstone marls from Eocene origin create a magnificent environment for grape growing. “Ponca” is, in the Friulian language, the name of this superb terroir. It represents the fundamental starting point from which particular production styles are developed, such as the cold maceration of white grapes, through a short contact with the skins, and a light raisining of red grapes, that are enriched with structure and personality. This is how wines with an intriguing aromatic set, a robust and embracing body and astonishing evolution potentialities are created.
Once upon a time there was a man with a radiant smile who venerated good food so much that it became his reason for living. And in such a joyful parade of pleasure, wine sat on the royal throne. As a restaurateur and hotelier in northern Friuli, Paron Mario soon realized that his mission was to give people emotions with his special love for wine and that, to do it fully, he had to produce wine with his own hands. 1969 was the year when he acquired the first vineyards in the Collio area, the year when the great adventure started. This engaging adventure soon featured his sons Luciano, Gianfranco and Loris as the protagonists.
The three turned their father’s teachings into virtues, learning to touch and feel the soil, follow the time and the flow of the seasons, taste the grapes getting a glimpse of the secret of their little-big miracle. In the following years the family’s land ownership increased and many dreams came true. That small agricultural company today, with the third generation represented by Marco, Stefano and Mariaelena, has become an internationally prestigious winery, ambassador of Friulian winemaking art in the world. But the origins have not been forgotten and, what’s more, the flame of passion is increasingly vivid.
Once upon a time a man, the first hero and author of a fable, wrote the first page signing it with an indelible imprint. Let’s savour this book entitled "Fantinel" ecstatically.
Pairing Suggestions: Roast meat, poultry, game, meat braised in this wine is extraordinarily good.
Maturation: Aged for about 18 months in 30-60 hl Allier and Slavonian oak barrels.
