Producer
Poderi dal Nespoli is a historic winery founded in 1929 in the Bidente Valley, in the heart of Romagna’s rolling hills. Established by the Ravaioli family, the estate has developed over successive generations, combining a strong connection to local winemaking traditions with modern vineyard management and cellar techniques.
Situated near Nespoli, in the province of Forlì-Cesena, the winery benefits from a distinctive landscape between the Apennine foothills and the Adriatic coast. Its vineyards are planted on clay-loam soils, with local temperature variations helping the grapes develop expressive aromas and balanced acidity.
Sangiovese remains central to the estate’s identity, alongside traditional regional varieties such as Albana and Trebbiano. The winery produces a range of wines reflecting different aspects of Romagna’s terroir, from fresh everyday expressions to more complex, structured bottlings.
Fico Grande perfectly captures the estate’s approachable philosophy. Named after an impressive fig tree standing among the vineyards, it celebrates the relationship between wine, landscape and the simple pleasure of sharing good food around the table.
Food Pairings
Traditional Local Romagna Pairing
- Garganelli al ragù di coniglio e finocchietto selvatico – Garganelli pasta with rabbit ragù and wild fennel
This traditional regional pairing is recommended by Poderi dal Nespoli itself. The wine’s vibrant cherry fruit and refreshing acidity complement the savoury richness of slow-cooked rabbit, while its soft tannins allow the delicate meat to remain the focus. Wild fennel adds a fragrant herbal dimension that works beautifully with Sangiovese’s subtle floral and savoury character.
Other Excellent Pairings
Fico Grande is equally delicious with tagliatelle al ragù, tomato-based pasta, lasagne, roast chicken, braised poultry, grilled pork, Italian sausages, mushroom dishes and semi-mature cheeses.
For a more relaxed occasion, serve it with a sharing board of Prosciutto di Parma, piadina romagnola (traditional Romagna flatbread), salami and regional cheeses.
Its fresh acidity and gentle tannins make it particularly successful with everyday Italian cooking, where tomato, herbs, roasted meats and savoury flavours feature prominently
Occasion & Lifestyle
Perfect for: Midweek Italian suppers, relaxed Sunday lunches, casual dinner parties, family gatherings, pizza and pasta evenings, and sharing food with friends.
Wine personality: Fresh, fruity, charming, approachable, elegant and food-friendly.
Ideal for: Sangiovese enthusiasts, Chianti lovers seeking a softer everyday alternative, fans of lighter Italian reds and customers looking for a versatile wine to accompany home-cooked meals.
Wine Region
Romagna DOC – Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Romagna occupies the south-eastern part of Emilia-Romagna, stretching from the foothills of the Apennine Mountains towards the Adriatic coast. It is a region celebrated for its rich culinary traditions, welcoming hospitality and increasingly recognised wines, with Sangiovese playing a central role in its red-wine heritage.
Poderi dal Nespoli is situated in the Bidente Valley, near the hills of Forlì, where vineyards benefit from the interaction between the Apennine foothills and the wider Romagna landscape.
The estate’s vineyards occupy medium-textured clay-loam soils, which provide a suitable environment for Sangiovese. The local climate, including temperature differences between day and night, encourages the development of expressive fruit aromas while helping preserve the acidity that gives the variety its freshness and food-friendly character.
Unlike the more powerful or oak-matured expressions of Sangiovese found elsewhere, Fico Grande represents the fresh and approachable side of Romagna winemaking. Its lively cherry fruit, delicate violet aromas and gentle tannins make it an excellent introduction to the region’s distinctive style.
Fequently Asked Questions
What is Fico Grande Sangiovese?
Fico Grande is a fresh, fruit-forward Romagna DOC Sangiovese produced by Poderi dal Nespoli in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It is known for its lively cherry fruit, delicate violet aromas, refreshing acidity and soft, approachable tannins.
What grapes are used in Fico Grande?
Fico Grande is made from 100% Sangiovese, Italy’s celebrated red grape variety. The composition is confirmed by producer and trade documentation.
Is Fico Grande the same as Chianti?
No. Although both wines are based on Sangiovese, Fico Grande comes from Romagna in Emilia-Romagna, whereas Chianti is produced in Tuscany. Fico Grande offers a fresh, fruit-driven expression of Sangiovese rather than the style associated with a particular Chianti appellation.
What does Fico Grande Sangiovese taste like?
Expect ripe cherries, raspberries and fresh red berries, complemented by delicate violet aromas and subtle savoury notes. The palate is juicy and medium-bodied, with refreshing acidity, soft tannins and a smooth finish.
Is Fico Grande a dry red wine?
Yes. Fico Grande is a dry Italian red wine. Its ripe fruit flavours give it an inviting, generous character, but it is not a sweet wine.
Is Fico Grande full-bodied?
Fico Grande is medium-bodied, with lively fruit, refreshing acidity and gentle tannins. It is lighter and more approachable than many heavily structured or oak-aged red wines.
Is Fico Grande aged in oak?
No. Fico Grande is vinified and matured entirely in stainless steel, preserving the natural freshness, red-fruit character and floral aromas of Sangiovese.
What does Fico Grande mean?
Fico Grande translates as Big Fig. The wine takes its name from a magnificent fig tree that stands among the estate’s vineyards, reflecting the producer’s connection to the local landscape.
What food goes best with Fico Grande?
It pairs beautifully with pasta and ragù, roast chicken, grilled pork, braised poultry, tomato-based dishes and semi-mature cheeses. The producer particularly recommends garganelli pasta with rabbit ragù and wild fennel.
Is Fico Grande a good wine for pasta or pizza?
Absolutely. Its refreshing acidity and juicy cherry fruit make it an excellent partner for tomato-based pasta, lasagne and classic Italian pizzas, while its soft tannins keep the combination balanced and enjoyable.
Can I drink Fico Grande without food?
Yes. Its fresh fruit, medium body and gentle tannins make it particularly enjoyable by the glass, whether relaxing at home or sharing a bottle with friends.
What temperature should I serve Fico Grande at?
Serve at approximately 16–18°C. On warmer days, a brief period in the fridge can help bring the wine to a comfortable serving temperature and highlight its fresh red-fruit character.
Is Fico Grande vegan or vegetarian?
Yes. The UK supplier Bibendum lists Fico Grande as suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. As with any wine, customers with specific dietary requirements should check the current supplier information if the vintage changes.
Is Fico Grande organic?
Fico Grande is not identified as certified organic in the producer’s available documentation. Poderi dal Nespoli produces a separate organic Sangiovese, which should not be confused with Fico Grande.
How long can I keep Fico Grande?
Fico Grande is designed to be enjoyed for its youthful fruit, freshness and easy-drinking character. It is best enjoyed relatively young rather than purchased for extended cellaring.
What makes Fico Grande special?
Its appeal lies in its combination of 100% Sangiovese, fresh cherry fruit, delicate tannins and authentic Romagna character. Made without oak maturation, it offers a pure, approachable expression of the grape from a winery with roots dating back to 1929.