Quiet Strength from the Hills of Lamole
The story of I Fabbri is one of quiet revival, rooted deeply in the hills of Lamole. At the center is Susanna Grassi, who returned to her family’s estate in 2000 after years of abandonment. Her goal wasn’t just to make wine—it was to honor a legacy that stretches back to the 1600s. With determination and respect for the land, she brought the property back to life, committing fully to sustainable and organic farming practices along the way.
Today, I Fabbri stands as a benchmark for elegant, high-altitude Chianti Classico. The vineyards lie between 550 and 650 meters above sea level, nestled into steep, south- and southwest-facing terraces that were carefully restored over two decades ago. These terraces form a natural amphitheater that soaks up the Tuscan sun during the day, and then slowly releases that warmth overnight, helping the grapes ripen slowly and evenly. The soil is sandy and poor in organic matter—a challenging environment that results in low yields and beautifully concentrated fruit.
The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is made entirely from Sangiovese Grosso grown in these terraces. It reflects the vintage’s balance and precision, shaped by the vineyard’s altitude and the subtle hand of its winemaker. The wine ages for 12 months in 500-liter French oak barrels, adding refinement without masking the freshness and purity of the fruit.
This is a Riserva that’s quietly captivating. It carries a sense of history, of landscape, of a family’s patient care over centuries. From the ancient terraces to the modern cellar, everything about I Fabbri is thoughtful, natural, and true to place. The 2020 vintage is drinking beautifully now, but has the bones and freshness to reward time in the cellar as well. It’s a wine that doesn’t shout, but resonates deeply. Quiet, calm, strength.
Robert Parker, 93 Points
The organic I Fabbri 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is a steady wine that persists for the medium-long haul over the palate. It shows a classic profile for Lamole, in which acidity and brightness are the protagonists. There is wild cherry, cassis, blue flower and peat moss woven over a lean to mid-weight mouthfeel.
