Saffredi 2002, Fattoria Le Pupille, Magnum 1.5 L

Saffredi 2002, Fattoria Le Pupille Magnum 1.5 L

The Vineyard That Defined a Region

Saffredi is more than just a vineyard; it is the heart of Fattoria Le Pupille and the birthplace of the Maremma’s first iconic Super Tuscan. Its story is one of intuition, daring, and a deep love for the land, single-handedly proving that this wild, coastal part of Tuscany could produce wines to rival the best in the world.

The vineyard is named in a heartfelt tribute to Fredi, the mentor who inspired proprietor Elisabetta Geppetti’s lifelong passion for wine. In the 1980s, when Elisabetta was just in her early twenties, Maremma was a region known for rustic wines, not world-class Bordeaux blends. Against all advice, she had a powerful intuition that this land was special. With the guidance of the legendary oenologist Giacomo Tachis, she planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot in this specific 14-hectare plot.

The site itself is unique. Located in Pereta at an altitude of 280 meters, the vines are perfectly positioned to capture the intense Tuscan sun. The soil is a poor, stony mix of sandstone, marl, and iron-rich minerals, forcing the vines to struggle and dig deep for nutrients. This struggle, combined with cooling breezes from the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea, is the secret to Saffredi’s magic. It allows the grapes to achieve immense ripeness and power while retaining a vibrant, energetic freshness and a complex herbal character.

The first vintage was 1987, and it immediately announced the arrival of a new star in the Super Tuscan firmament. Today, Saffredi is a testament to Elisabetta Geppetti’s pioneering vision. It transformed the perception of Maremma forever, creating a benchmark for the entire region and securing its place as one of Italy’s most celebrated and iconic wines.