Ampeleia IGT 2019

Wine Description for Ampeleia IGT 2019 by Ampeleia

Colour & Appearance

Deep purplish-red with a black, impenetrable core and vibrant violet reflections – a visual promise of concentration and youthfulness.

Nose

Generous and hedonistic, this varietal Cabernet Franc presents itself with aplomb. Black morello cherry and dark mulberry form the aromatic foundation, played upon by sandalwood, vetiver and fine oak spice. Dark spice notes – black pepper, allspice, thyme and black cardamom – lend the wine complexity and southern warmth. Despite its openness, the Ampeleia absolutely demands decanting in its youth.

Palate

The tannins are fleshy, firm, positively tactile – one feels as though one could chew them. Stimulatingly herbaceous, they tip into a dark-fruited sweetness that carries itself with youthful discipline. The dark fruit is framed by gripping yet ripe tannin, which lends the wine a remarkable flow. This drinking appeal, notwithstanding its ambitious character, distinguishes great wines: structure meets accessibility.

Finish

Ethereally cool and impressively long. The freshness of the Maremma’s higher elevations reveals itself here in a mineral precision that bestows elegance and length upon the wine.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyards in Roccatederighi in southern Tuscany extend across various elevations on clay-limestone soils – a rare synergy with Cabernet Franc that led to the estate’s founding in 2002.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Varietal Cabernet Franc – once a blend of six varieties, today reduced to the identity-defining grape. Hand-harvested, 15% whole-bunch fermentation, spontaneous fermentation and 12 months‘ maturation in wooden vessels create a wine of depth and authenticity.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Grilled beetroot with leek oil and goat’s curd, grilled swordfish skewers with peppers and Tropea onions, roasted quail with bay leaf potatoes or robust braised dishes with dark meat.

Special Features

The estate’s namesake and flagship wine impressively demonstrates that Cabernet Franc can achieve exceptional quality in southern Tuscany. A wine with ageing potential that already now – after decanting – offers enormous pleasure.