Duemani Costa Toscana IGP 2019 3000ml Doppel-Magnum

A Cabernet Franc of great density, at once spicy and fruity. Cinnamon plum, damson and mulberry lead, with fig and blackberry adding depth; dark blossoms such as hibiscus and violet set a counterpoint, while sage and marjoram lend a cooling herbal spice. A touch of cedarwood, warm leather, mocha and melted dark chocolate.

The grapes come from the best parcels of the vineyards near Riparbella, at 220 to 250 metres above sea level and facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, around eight kilometres from the Tuscan coast. The soils are calcareous, rich in clay and interspersed with pebbles; the average vine age is 17 years.

100% Cabernet Franc, hand-picked in late September, selected in the vineyard and a second time at the sorting table. Destemming is done gently to keep the berry skins intact. Spontaneous fermentation in temperature-controlled conical oak vats, 30 days on the skins with brief, regular pump-overs. This is followed by 22 months in small French oak barrels of 225 to 228 litres, 80% new, 20% second-fill. Bottled without filtration, 14.0% vol.

Compact and densely woven, still slightly veiled. The fruit surges forward with power, the acidity sets in immediately, and the tannin is ripe, elegant and melting. The vegetal side, especially tomato and beetroot, lends depth, while the herbal spice stays in the background. The finish brings dark chocolate and coffee.

Saddle of venison with a nut crust, romanesco and pan-fried potato dumplings, pink-cooked duck breast with hoisin sauce, pak choi and braised plum, or, for a vegetarian option, crispy fried aubergine with garlic, mint and black olives.

Duemani was founded in 2000 by Elena Celli and Luca D'Attoma near Riparbella and has been Demeter-certified since 2004, with the logo appearing on the label. Around 45,000 bottles are produced each year across twelve hectares. The double magnum holds 3000 millilitres.