'Ampeleia' IGT Costa Toscana

Italy
Tuscany
2019

100% Cabernet Franc from the Ampeleia di Sopra parcels at 450-600 meters above sea level. Vines were planted between1995 and 2004.  The grapes are fully destemmed and there is a maceration of 20 days.  Fermented in cement tanks and 5000-6000L casks. Aging is 12 months in these same vessels, followed by 2 years of aging in bottle before release. 20,000 bottles produced. 

94 points
"Made with Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Ampeleia gives us a unique view onto a grape variety that we are seeing with increasingly successful results along the coast of Tuscany. In this case, you get punchy (macerated) fruit flavors of candied blueberry and cherry and lots of vertical lift from a producer who always offers interesting winemaking interpretations in wines from Tuscany and in the far north of Italy under the Elisabetta Foradori brand. The wine winds down slowly with lingering notes of cigar ash, smoke and tar."
Monica Larner,
Wine Advocate
Jun 22, 2023
94 points
"The 2019 Ampeleia (Cabernet Franc) is deep, flashy and super-expressive. In 2019, Ampeleia seems to offer a bit more volume and brooding intensity than in most years. Black cherry, mocha, dried herbs and espresso lend notable sepia­toned intensity throughout. This potent Franc is a winner. I suggest giving the 2019, and all these wines, frankly, a bit of aeration, as oxygen is so beneficial. "
Antonio Galloni,
Vinous Media
August 2023
93 points
"Presents perfumed aromas of cherry, raspberry, cedar, leather, wild herbs and spices, which echo on the palate. An intense red, with a firm structure, this builds to a long, complex finish. Needs a bit more time to integrate the dusty tannins. "
Bruce Sanderson ,
Wine Spectator
October 2023

SKU/Code: 
DB6280-19
Product Line: 
National Portfolio
Wine
Red
Varietal: 
Cabernet Franc
Farming Type: 
Biodynamic