Duemani Costa Toscana IGP 2019

The Duemani Costa Toscana IGP 2019 is a single-varietal Cabernet Franc from Riparbella in Tuscany, a dark, glinting cherry red with violet highlights. The nose is at once spicy and fruity: cinnamon plum, damson and mulberry to the fore, fig and blackberry alongside, plus hibiscus, violet and mallow, sage and marjoram, with cedarwood, warm leather, mocha and a hint of eucalyptus in the background.

The grapes come from the finest parcels in Riparbella, at 220 to 250 metres and facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. The soils are calcareous, rich in clay and pebbles, and the vines are 17 years old. The estate's twelve hectares are farmed biodynamically.

Hand-harvested in late September, with a first selection in the vineyard and a second at the sorting table. The grapes are gently destemmed, and fermentation starts spontaneously in temperature-controlled conical oak vats, with 30 days on the skins and short, regular pump-overs. Ageing lasts 22 months in French oak barrels of 225 to 228 litres, 80 percent new and 20 percent second-fill. The wine is bottled unfiltered.

Compact and densely woven, extremely tightly knit and still faintly veiled. The fruit surges forward powerfully, the acidity sets in promptly, and the tannin is ripe, elegant and melting-soft. Tomato and beetroot lend depth, while the herbal spice recedes into the background. Dark chocolate and coffee linger on the finish.

With saddle of venison in a hazelnut crust, romanesco and pan-fried potato noodles, with duck breast cooked pink with hoisin sauce, pak choi and braised plum, and with crispy fried aubergine with garlic, mint and black olives.

Duemani has been Demeter-certified since 2004, with the logo featured on the label. Elena Celli and Luca D'Attoma founded the estate in 2000; since the 2023 takeover by Le Tenute del Leone Alato, D'Attoma has remained involved as a consultant. Annual production stands at 45,000 bottles. 14.0% ABV, dry.