Discover the Delights of Dionisio
If you love exceptional French & Italian wines and haven't yet discovered one of the most exciting newcomers to our collection, you're in for a treat. Today, we're delighted to showcase a mesmerising Syrah and Viognier duo, not from the Rhône, but from the extraordinarily talented Fabrizio Dioniso in Cortona, Tuscany.
Fabrizio has devoted nearly all his land to cultivating Syrah, which flourishes in the hills of Cortona, often dubbed the Italian Côtes-du-Rhône, on Tuscany's eastern side. In 1999, Cortona's vineyards were awarded DOC and DOP status, acknowledging the exceptional Syrah wines produced there. Fabrizio's wines boast remarkable purity and elegant complexity, and we are convinced they are the finest crafted in the region.
The enchanting estate is divided into two distinct farms, nestled within the ancient hillsides of the Apennine Mountains. While the winemaking methods embrace modern innovations, the core of the process remains unmistakably artisanal. Almost entirely dependent on manual labour, from the vineyard to the cellar, Fabrizio's commitment to organic and sustainable practices is evident. Each bottle is crafted with passion, aspiring to rival the world's finest Syrah and Viognier wines. His numerous accolades are a testament to his expertise and artistry.
Today, we present the ‘Linfa’ Syrah & Viognier, a sibling duo in wine form. The name 'Linfa' is an acronym derived from the names of Fabrizio’s immediate family members. For Fabrizio, these wines highlight the similarities and affinities between the Rhône Valley and the terroir of Cortona, demonstrating their status as premier regions for producing both Syrah and Viognier. Originating from micro-parcels with rigorously controlled yields, these wines are produced in limited quantities of just 2,000 bottles per vintage.
If you, like us, appreciate exceptional Rhône wines and have a passion for Italy, we are certain that Fabrizio Dionisio's selections will enchant & captivate.
Fabrizio Dionisio The Delights of Dionisio - Six-Bottle Mixed Case
Breathtaking expressions of Syrah & Viognier from the Italian ‘Côtes du Rhône’. This mixed case contains 3x each of the following wines from the remarkable Fabrizio Dionisio:
2022 ‘Linfa’ Viognier - IGT Toscana Bianco - £28.20 2021 ‘Linfa’ Syrah - DOC Cortona - £41.00
2022 ‘Linfa’ Viognier
Introducing the exquisite 'Linfa' Bianco by Fabrizio, a captivating Viognier that embodies depth, complexity, opulence, elegance, and minerality. Crafted with meticulous care and minimal yields to ensure only the finest, most concentrated juice reaches the cellar, this is Fabrizio's sole white wine, of which he is immensely proud.
The wine boasts a rich aromatic bouquet typical of the variety, featuring both fruity and floral notes. It is characterised by tropical aromas of white flowers, banana, peach, apricot, and mango, along with hints of citrus peel, star anise, cardamom, gooseberry, and sage. On the palate, this Viognier offers a full-bodied, velvety texture with a perfect balance of acidity and savoury nuance. It presents a gentle warmth from alcohol paired with refreshing acidity, creating a complete wine that is harmoniously balanced and delightful both in its youth and after extended ageing in the bottle.
This remarkable white wine seamlessly combines the rich aromatic profile of the Viognier grape with crisp acidity and minerality. It is not merely a summer delight but a versatile white, suitable for enjoyment year-round and an ideal complement to rich and spicy dishes.
2021 ‘Linfa’ Syrah
This creation was a true labour of love for the ever-experimental and forward-thinking Fabrizio. Departing from traditional ageing methods like barrels or cement tanks, he was curious to explore how his Syrah might develop when aged in a different kind of vessel, one that harks back to ancient winemaking traditions.
After two to three years of trials, Fabrizio began vinifying small batches of his finest grapes, which would have otherwise contributed to our more complex wines such as Il Castagno or Cuculaia, in amphorae crafted from premium terracotta sourced from Impruneta and other Italian regions. Due to the rarity of these amphorae and the intricate winemaking process, this Syrah is produced in very limited quantities.
The results are remarkable—the 2021 Cortona Syrah Linfa is a rich and characterful wine brimming with raw concentrated fruit and spice, but that also has a wonderful salinity and minerality.
It presents a clear ruby hue, with aromas of withered violets, dark fruits like currants and blackberries, aromatic herbs such as thyme and bay leaves, along with notes of liquorice and gentle spice.
On the palate, the Linfa is vibrant, expressive, and bursting with fruit. It exudes a joyful character that is hard to articulate but unmistakably present. The terracotta ageing enhances the purity of the fruit, while the tannins are beautifully integrated, polished, and juicy. The wine is smooth, offering moderate alcoholic warmth, refreshing brightness, and a well-balanced, lengthy finish. This dense, rich Tuscan red boasts wonderful salinity and brightness, with the minerality of the soil shining through.
Fabrizio Dionisio The Delights of Dionisio - Twelve-Bottle Mixed Case
Breathtaking expressions of Syrah & Viognier from the Italian ‘Côtes du Rhône’. This mixed case contains 6x each of the following wines from the remarkable Fabrizio Dionisio.
2022 ‘Linfa’ Viognier - IGT Toscana Bianco - £28.20 2021 ‘Linfa’ Syrah - DOC Cortona - £41.00
2022 ‘Linfa’ Viognier
Introducing the exquisite 'Linfa' Bianco by Fabrizio, a captivating Viognier that embodies depth, complexity, opulence, elegance, and minerality. Crafted with meticulous care and minimal yields to ensure only the finest, most concentrated juice reaches the cellar, this is Fabrizio's sole white wine, of which he is immensely proud.
The wine boasts a rich aromatic bouquet typical of the variety, featuring both fruity and floral notes. It is characterised by tropical aromas of white flowers, banana, peach, apricot, and mango, along with hints of citrus peel, star anise, cardamom, gooseberry, and sage. On the palate, this Viognier offers a full-bodied, velvety texture with a perfect balance of acidity and savoury nuance. It presents a gentle warmth from alcohol paired with refreshing acidity, creating a complete wine that is harmoniously balanced and delightful both in its youth and after extended ageing in the bottle.
This remarkable white wine seamlessly combines the rich aromatic profile of the Viognier grape with crisp acidity and minerality. It is not merely a summer delight but a versatile white, suitable for enjoyment year-round and an ideal complement to rich and spicy dishes.
2021 ‘Linfa’ Syrah
This creation was a true labour of love for the ever-experimental and forward-thinking Fabrizio. Departing from traditional ageing methods like barrels or cement tanks, he was curious to explore how his Syrah might develop when aged in a different kind of vessel, one that harks back to ancient winemaking traditions.
After two to three years of trials, Fabrizio began vinifying small batches of his finest grapes, which would have otherwise contributed to our more complex wines such as Il Castagno or Cuculaia, in amphorae crafted from premium terracotta sourced from Impruneta and other Italian regions. Due to the rarity of these amphorae and the intricate winemaking process, this Syrah is produced in very limited quantities.
The results are remarkable—the 2021 Cortona Syrah Linfa is a rich and characterful wine brimming with raw concentrated fruit and spice, but that also has a wonderful salinity and minerality.
It presents a clear ruby hue, with aromas of withered violets, dark fruits like currants and blackberries, aromatic herbs such as thyme and bay leaves, along with notes of liquorice and gentle spice.
On the palate, the Linfa is vibrant, expressive, and bursting with fruit. It exudes a joyful character that is hard to articulate but unmistakably present. The terracotta ageing enhances the purity of the fruit, while the tannins are beautifully integrated, polished, and juicy. The wine is smooth, offering moderate alcoholic warmth, refreshing brightness, and a well-balanced, lengthy finish. This dense, rich Tuscan red boasts wonderful salinity and brightness, with the minerality of the soil shining through.