Fantini Winery

[FAN-tee-NEE]

Location: Ortona, Province of Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy

Fantini is located in Ortona, Abruzzo, Italy. The wines, which were originally labeled under the name Farnese, are made by winemaker Rino Santeusanio.

Points of Differentiation

• Native varietals made in an international style
• The vineyards are located on Mount Majella which protects the vines and allows them to ripen gradually
• All of the grapes are hand sorted and selected
• Vinified for early consumption
• The ideal “By the Glass” wine line

The History

The wines from Abruzzo became famous in the 16th century, thanks to Princess Margaret of Austria. Princess Margaret and her husband, Prince Farnese, began producing high-quality wines that were enjoyed at feasts all over Europe. Farnese has made sure that these wines from Abruzzo have kept their excellent reputation throughout the years with Fantini becoming the most recent example of Farnese’s dedication to producing high-quality wines.

The Farnese Group is not only dedicated to producing high-end wines but also to giving back to the surrounding community. They partner with small family farms that have been in the area for generations and bring in world-class consultants to work with the families to help them grow higher-quality grapes. In addition, Farnese also takes long-term contracts with the families helping to ensure that the families do not need to worry if they will be paid after the harvest season is over.

When crafting the wines, Fantini employs the most advanced winery technology available to ensure the wines reflects the authentic characteristics of the grapes used. Farnese believes that excessive effort in the vineyards is pointless if the winery is unable to maintain specific standards when bottling.

In the winery’s words, “We believe we cannot produce a great wine without constant supervision on behalf of expert winemakers. This is the reason that, for each vintage, Fantini employs six top winemakers to work in perfect harmony with the grapes and ensure they are turned into great wines.”

The Terroir

Mount Majella protects the vineyards which are located on the hillside and stretch down to the sea. The vineyards enjoy optimum exposure and an excellent microclimate which explains why the vines produce grapes with remarkable complexity and fruit-forward flavors.

The Fantini line is made from the best grapes from the mountainside vineyards. Once the wines have been produced, they move to the cellars at the restored Caldora Castle.