Located in Montepulciano, a historic Italian town between Valdichiana and Val d’Orcia, is one of its most prestigious wineries, Fattoria della Talosa. Along with superior wines are barrel cellars and a tasting room in underground tunnels excavated by the Etruscans over 2200 years ago, then used as military bunkers during World War II. Intrigued? After a virtual education and tasting experience with Christian Pepi, export manager at Talosa, a couple of weeks ago, I’m ready to book my flight and indulge. Nestled within the vineyards of Talosa and a quick stroll to the center of Montepulciano is Talosa’s restored Tuscan villa for guests boasting not-to-be-missed views of the valley and village. After my tour and tasting, I’ll see you poolside with another glass of Talosa’s high quality wine!
Photo Credit: Talosa
Three Generations of the Jacorossi Family Have Elevated Talosa
But there is more. At an altitude of 605 meters above sea level, lush olive trees and vineyards dot the valleys while clay hills and classic cypress trees captivate visitors and locals alike. It is in Montepulciano where the Jacorossi family has been producing exceptional wines for three generations. In 1972, Angelo Jacorossi, an entrepreneur from Rome, desired a retreat from the urban lifestyle and was enchanted with the property which is now Talosa. From the inception of Talosa to the 2000s, the company grew thanks to a number of investments; the specific goal was to raise the enological quality of their wines. By 2004, the new winery was operative, and vineyards were renewed in 2006, 2008, and 2010. As a boon to tourism, the Talosa Historical Cellar opened its doors commencing a phase to offer hospitality and wine tourism. In 2014, Edoardo Mottini Jacorossi, first grandson, joined the company and in 2019, Villa Talosa was restored and ready for guests. Innovation and modernization were the focus beginning in 2023. Targeted investments and state-of-the-art technologies included upgrading agricultural equipment, the purchase of a modern satellite-guided tractor, a sophisticated weather system, and more.
Photo credit: Talosa
The Talosa Estate is a company that respects and protects its territory and vineyards throughout all stages of winemaking and production. Talosa has been transitioning to organic farming since the 2021 harvest and has expanded its machinery and equipment with state-of-the-art systems and tools, minimizing environmental impact. The use of cover crops with various species of dicotyledons and natural fertilizers is greatly improving the quality of the grapes, with a strong focus on the environment and the vineyards.
“Talosa works organically,” explains Edoardo Mottini Jacorossi, “and this allows us to be a sustainable company: the few targeted treatments throughout the year lead to significant savings in fuel and machinery consumables, thereby greatly reducing the impact on the soil from agricultural machinery and tools used in the vineyards. It’s one thing to enter the vineyards five times a year, and another to do it twelve.”
In recent years, Talosa, in collaboration with the Consortium of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and other associated companies, has been working to meet the sustainability goals set by Equalitas, which promotes sustainability in agri-food and wine sectors. This active commitment is based on social welfare and environmental protection, in accordance with the principles of the Equalitas Code of Ethics: adherence to ethical standards and responsibility, sustainable growth, shared development based on a business model that creates value for companies and the territory, the use of the best technological and innovative solutions, transparency, and environmental protection. Fattoria della Talosa
Wines of Talosa are Cultivated in Three Main Zones
Currently, 33 hectares of vineyards are found across three main areas: a zone of mostly clay, an area where soils shift from clay to sand, and a zone of all sand. Team members focus upon traditional, hand-harvested grape cultivation across these 13 zones in order to produce wines expressing characteristics of the variety and terroir. Several DOCG wines including Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Alboretto, Riserva, and Filai Lunghi are produced. Those at Talosa remarked that each wine mirrors the place where the people, land, and vineyards are a perfect blend. Sangiovese imparts “one of the highest expressions of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano,” an elegant, notable wine of the region. For more about the portfolio of wines produced, click HERE.
Photo Credit: Talosa
Three wines (sent as samples) were sent to our group of sommeliers and media.
According to Christian Pepi, “this is the wine to put on the table for Sunday lunch!” Talosa Vino Nobile di Montalcino Alboreta 2022 of 100% Sangiovese was a delicious wine served with a slight chill. Its savory nose burst with aromas of black pepper, rich red fruit, and a touch of minerality. Unfiltered, this food friendly wine was broad and balanced on the palate with hints of olives and tomatoes leading to a pleasant finish. Maturation is for two years in tonneaux of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th passage, big barrels, and stainless steel. The finished wine was aged in the bottle, then released. Christian remarked that this is a wonderful wine even with chocolate brownies!
A new release, Talosa Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2020 of 100% Sangiovese was complex and rich from beginning to end. Perfect for sipping or relaxing in front of the fireplace, I craved the savory aromas of dried leaves, earth, cpice and deep purple fruit compote. Firm tannins and vibrant acidity provided the foundation for more savory fruit notes and a round, balanced mouthfeel. The Riserva was matured for three years in new oak tonneaux and 2nd passage, big barrels, and stainless steel tanks. After finishing, it aged for at least six months longer before release. My favorite pasta dishes and a mouthwatering eggplant parmesan were luscious pairings.
Talosa Vino Nobile di Montepulciano “Filai Lunghi” 2020 exuded the wow-factor on the nose. Ripe cherries and sweet baking spice including cloves and cinnamon offered an enticing entry. On the palate, soft tannins and moderate acidity framed notes of ripe red fruits, plums, and florals. Of 100% Sangiovese cultivated on sandy soil, this bold and dark wine was aged for two years in new oak tonneaux, big barrels and stainless steel. When finished, the wine was further aged in the bottle before release. Although this beauty can age more than 15 years, but you may want to open a bottle to pair with juicy burgers, a savory pizza, or Nonna’s lasagne.
Christian Pepi made it clear that those at Talosa are “all about wine tourism, preserving the heritage of the region, and producing premium wines.” After learning more, the wines I tasted exuded the essence of this superior winery in Montepulciano.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
