Fantinel wines are new Italian offerings in South Africa, distributed by Adriatic Shipping.
Founded in 1969 by admired hotelier and restaurateur Mario Fantinel.
Biggest private wine group of Friuli Venezia Giulia and ranks among one of the best performing Italian wine producers, with over 300 ha of vineyards in 4 DOC's and 2 DOCG's.
They are located in Friuli, North-East of Italy, bordering Austria (North), Slovenia (East), Veneto region (South-West) and Adriatic Sea (South)
Fantinel is the number 1 producer of Prosecco DOC in Friuli Venezia Giulia and their wines are exported in 60 countries
They were the first to produce the original Italian vodka, by the collaboration between Lapo Elkann, Arrigo Cipriani, Marco Fantinel and Francesco Cosulich - I Spirit Vodka
Besides wines Fantinel also owned Testa & Molinaro, oldest brand (1941) of San Daniele Prosciutto and are also present in hospitality industry with "Pane Vino e San Daniele", franchiser of over 30 restaurants throughout Italy and 2 abroad
The 4 main DOC's are:
Doc Collio
Vineyards in hills Dolegna del Collio, in Gorizia province, bordering Slovenia, soils are mainly marl and sandstone flysch with Eocene origin.
Mild & temperate climate with Julian Alps sheltering from cold winds and the proximity of Adriatic sea, moderate the range of temperatures.
Friuli Doc Grave & Doc Prosecco
Vineyards with gravelly soils of alluvial origin, situated in Tauriano di Spilimbergo, in the upper plain of the province of Pordenone, below the Dolomites mountains, protected from cold winds and Adriatic sea influence.
Doc Friuli Colli Orientali
22ha terraced vineyards with marl and sandstone soil, located in the northern part of the DOC area within 4 hills namley Ramandolo, Nimis, Attimis and Tarcento, protected by Julian Alps and moderated by Adriatic sea breeze.
Below are range currently available in South Africa, worth seeking out, especially the Prosecco, well price for the quality and the Friulano and Refosco are perfect for a niche offering on a wine lists and degustation menu pairing!
Fantinel Borgo Tesis Merlot 2010 59 Points
Fantinel Prosecco DOC Extra Dry NV 82 Points
Fantinel Borgo Tesis Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 85 Points
Fantinel Borgo Tesis Pinot Grigio 86 Points
Fantinel Vigneti Sant Helena Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2009 90 Points
Fantinel La Roncaia Eclisse Bianco Cuvee di Alta 2012 91 Points
Fantinel Borgo Tesis Friulano 2012 91+ Points
