Fantini Farnese 2022 Calalenta Pecorino I.G.T. Terre di Chieti

The Fantini Farnese 2022 Calalenta Pecorino (I.G.T. Terre di Chieti) is a zesty, full-bodied white wine from Abruzzo that delivers a vibrant and refreshing profile with depth and elegance—an excellent summer sipper and perfect for food pairing.

🍇 Appearance & Aromas

• Color: Straw yellow with greenish highlights 

• Nose: Aromas of white-flesh fruit (pear, apricot, melon), backed by balsamic and herbal hints, plus subtle oak influence from the 20% fermented in larger oak vessels 

👅 Palate & Structure

• Body & Texture: Medium-full bodied, with a rich, rounded mouthfeel yet lively freshness 

• Flavors: Clean, crisp stone fruit (ripe apricot, peach, pear), green apple, lemon zest, plus herbal/balsamic undertones. Herbal notes include touches of fennel, grilled herbs, and hints of white blossoms

• Finish: Dry and harmonious, with persistent acidity and minerally herbal echoes .

🌡️ Technical Details

• Alcohol: Approximately 13–13.5% ABV.

• Vinification: 80% fermented in stainless steel, 20% in large oak barrels; lees-aged for about 30 days, promoting texture and complexity.

• Grape & Terroir: 100% Pecorino from calcareous clay-limestone soils near Orsogna (150 m altitude), vines aged 15–20 years.

🏆 Scores & Awards

• James Suckling (2022): 89 pts, praising fennel, grilled herbs, lemon zest, white blossoms, and noting a clean, medium-length, glass stopper finish, best drunk young.

• Decanter (on previous vintages): The wine offers "melon, apple and lemon scents and flavours accompanied by some herbal touches" and was described as “super-bright” summer wine.

🍽️ Food Pairings

A versatile companion to Mediterranean fare: think smoked fish, seafood pasta, shellfish, grilled chicken or pork, vegetable soups, fresh cheeses (particularly Pecorino), and light antipasti. Also ideal as a refreshing aperitif .

🗓️ Drinkability & Potential

• Drink window: Best consumed now through 2024–2026 to enjoy its freshness and aromatic vibrancy .

• Cellarability: While primarily designed for early drinking, its structure and fruit purity may allow short-term aging (1–2 years), though it's at its aromatic peak young .

✅ Summary

Fantini’s 2022 Calalenta Pecorino is a standout Abruzzo white offering a beautiful balance between ripe stone fruits, refreshing acidity, herbal nuance, and elegant texture. It's a terrific value (around $20 retail), making it an easy pick for summer dinners, gatherings, or anyone seeking a flavorful yet approachable Italian white with depth.