Duemani Costa Toscana IGP 2018

A Cabernet Franc of great density, whose power rests on delicate tannin and a clear acid backbone. The fruit feels warm, the style cool. 14.0% ABV, vinified dry.

The grapes come from the best plots of the vineyards in Riparbella, eight kilometres from the Tuscan coast. The sites lie at 220 to 250 metres and face towards the Tyrrhenian Sea. The soils are calcareous, rich in clay and pebbles, with vines averaging 17 years of age.

Single-varietal Cabernet Franc, hand-harvested in late September, with a first selection in the vineyard and a second at the sorting table. Gentle destemming protects the berry skins. Spontaneous fermentation in temperature-controlled conical oak vats, 30 days of maceration with short, regular pump-overs. Followed by 22 months in small French oak barrels of 225 to 228 litres, 80 percent new, 20 percent second-fill. Bottled without filtration.

The opening brings plum, cinnamon-stewed damson and blackberry, followed by cassis, elderberry and raspberry. Spice notes of clove, cardamom and white pepper, alongside dark chocolate, warm leather and cigar box. Acidity and fruit keep renewing themselves, the vegetal notes are ripe. On the finish, beetroot, red bell pepper, cocoa, black pepper and violet-like blossom.

Braised beef cheeks with sweet potato purée and glazed carrots, côte de boeuf with sauce béarnaise and matchstick fries, or, for a vegetarian option, cooked beetroot with sautéed pimientos de Padrón and basil pesto.

Elena Celli and Luca D'Attoma founded Duemani in 2000 near Riparbella. Since 2004, the twelve hectares have been Demeter-certified, with the Demeter logo displayed on the label. Annual production stands at around 45,000 bottles.