At a glance

Producer

Fattoria Le Pupille

Region

Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (with Merlot, Petit Verdot)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$120-$170 (global retail, as of mid-2024)

Tasting profile

Dark plum, blackcurrant, wild berries, graphite, cedar, dark chocolate, attractive floral notes. Marked by ripe tannins and new oak tones.

Evolution: Will evolve with tertiary complexity: leather, tobacco, spice, forest floor, softened fruit, and more harmonious oak integration.

At peak: Deeply expressive, seamlessly integrated, velvety texture, with persistent mineral and savory length.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, supporting freshness and aging

Tannins

High, firm, polished

Alcohol

Typically 14-15% ABV (2022: ~14.5%)

Aging potential

15-20 years from vintage; capable of graceful maturation

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2029 to 2038

Optimal window

2027 to 2042

Current status

Recently released, suitable for early enjoyment with aeration, best with further bottle age.

Current condition

Young, vibrant, tightly wound; tannins and oak currently prominent but integrating.

Saffredi is recognized as a flagship Super Tuscan with a consistent record of longevity and complexity. Its high-quality fruit, structure, and balance enable it to evolve positively for two decades, with the peak drinking window generally beginning ~7 years after release and lasting another decade.

Food pairing

Tuscan steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina), roast lamb, braised short ribs, wild game, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, truffle risotto.

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has high, firm tannins that can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Fattoria Le Pupille has adopted eco-friendly vineyard management, reduced chemical inputs, water-saving drip irrigation, renewable energy (solar installation), on-site composting, biodiversity corridors, lightweight glass for some bottlings, and recycles packaging.

The estate is a Tuscan leader in sustainable viticulture, employing integrated pest management (IPM), prioritizing soil and vine health, and increasingly relying on solar power. While not entirely organic or biodynamic, their progressive water, energy, and waste practices result in a robust sustainability profile. Export emissions remain the primary challenge compared to locally consumed, minimally transported wines.