The driving force behind Tormaresca Fichimori is no ordinary man. The Tormaresca winery was founded in 1998 by none other than the Antinori family. This winemaking dynasty, based in Tuscany, saw something in the late 1990s that few others did at the time: incredible potential in Puglia. They established their vineyards and set to work with great enthusiasm, resulting in two magnificent vineyards: Bocca di Lupo near Castel del Monte and Masseria Maime, situated in the higher elevations of Puglia.
The grapes for Tormaresca Fichimori come from Masseria Maime, located in the province of Brindisi. The most striking feature of the grapes in Tormaresca Fichimori is that they are primarily lesser-known varietals in the region. Puglia is dominated by Negroamaro and Primitivo, but grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah have also found a place in the wine. The most striking feature is the use of Chardonnay in this all-red wine!
After the harvest at the historic Antinori estate, the grapes are fermented. The exact blend? That's the winemaker's secret. He determines what yields the best tasting experience and blends the grapes accordingly. That's a wise move, as we learned when we tasted Tormaresca Fichimori. This is Puglia at its very best. A dominant burst of red fruit swirls across our taste buds: fresh strawberries, velvety raspberries, and a hint of red currant combined with blooming poppies. The freshness is striking, thanks largely to the use of Chardonnay.
