Cabernet Sauvignon 'Neblo' Tenuta Sant'Helena - Fantinel 2020
The Cabernet Sauvignon by Fantinel is a red wine that belongs to the Sant'Helena line produced on the soils rich in sandy marls of the Collio Friulano area. After aging for 18 months in oak barrels of different sizes, it reveals an intense and layered bouquet with notes of ripe berries, spices, and toasted memories. On the palate, it is austere, decisive, and velvety, with a long persistence.
The Cabernet Sauvignon “Neblo” from the Fantinel winery demonstrates how a grape variety of great tradition and importance has found in the Friulian lands a place capable of expressing its full potential. The combination of soil composition, defined here as “ponca”, the mild climate aided by the Julian Alps, the influence of the sea, and the skilled hand of man, leads to a result in the bottle with great evolutionary capacity and intense aromatic structure.
The “Neblo” Cabernet Sauvignon by Fantinel sees its vineyards rise in the estate of the same name, very close to the Slovenian border. Everything starts from the manually conducted harvest, which allows for the selection of the best fruits. Once transferred to the winery, vinification begins with a drying of about 20% of the grapes for eight weeks. Furthermore, to bring out all the power and body of the Cabernet Sauvignon, a submerged cap maceration is carried out for about 25 days, concluding the process with aging in large Slavonian oak and Aller barrels for 18 months.
The Fantinel Cabernet Sauvignon “Neblo” presents itself to the eye with an intense ruby red surrounded by garnet reflections. Brought to the nose, one immediately notices how the intensity and muscular strength of this wine are the main protagonists without ever becoming overpowering. Notes of blackberries and blueberries sweeten the aromatic bouquet reinforced by slight toasted hints capable of evolving and becoming more intense over time. It closes with varietal notes of bell pepper and herbal hints. Once the first sip is taken, the entire palate is surprised by superb softness which, aided by a pleasant freshness, makes this interpretation of Cabernet Sauvignon remarkably persistent. Looking also at the quality/price ratio, this bottle proves to be an excellent choice for those who want to taste a Cabernet Sauvignon with an Italian flavor, winking at nearby Slovenia.