Tenuta Mara – Rimini, Emilia-Romagna

Glorious Biodynamic Sangiovese from the coastal south of Emilia Romagna. The estate was founded in 2008 by Giordano Emendatori after business success to celebrate his love of wine, and is judiciously named after his wife Mara, no detail having been missed in the pursuit of creating a product of natural beauty. Organic & biodynamic throughout, the wine is fermented in oak tonneaux and aged in large oak casks and concrete eggs decorated by local artists, the estate being home to many pieces of commissioned art. Ferments are all natural and a wines see minimal intervention.

The viticulture is overseen by Leonello Anello, Italy’s most respected Biodynamicist, responsible for the vines at Montalcino’s Stella di Campalto amongst others. The entire ecosystem of the flora and fauna on the estate is essential to methods of thinking and working. The vines are not only also serenaded by countless wild birds but also by Mozart, the aging wines by Gregorian chant, the Bose speakers ensuring that nature, art and music are always in balance.

These wines deserve to be tried to experience their almost Burgundian elegance, albeit with a beguiling Italian accent.

“The MaraMia is dark red. Deep aromas of red cherry and under-brush. Rich dense and juicy, with tactile flavours of red cherry, flint and milk chocolate, complemented by minerals. Long and very pure on the finish. 92pts. The Guiry shows discreet aromas of redcurrant, cinnamon and violet. Fresh, bright and juicy, with very pure red fruit and spicy plum flavours. Very clean, almost dainty wine that reminded me of Pinot Noir. Not unlike a very good red Burgundy Villages wine. 91pts”