Altrovino Costa Toscana IGP 2019

The Altrovino cuvée consists of 50% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines are located at the Riparbella vineyard at 200 - 220 metres altitude in the Costa Toscana IGP appellation. The vines are 17 years old. Calcareous soil, rich in clay and skeleton. Manual harvest and a first selection is applied in the vineyard. Gentle destemming to avoid crushing the berries. A second selection follows on the sorting table. Both vines are fermented spontaneously in cement tanks. The temperature is regulated inside. Pump over follows regularly as well as twenty days of contact with the mash. Parts of the Cabernet Francs ferment in 500l and 600l amphorae to bring out the floral and fruity aromas. This is followed by the blending of the two grape varieties with subsequent maturation in conical oak barrels for a further six months.

Dense purple, delicate blue to violet reflections

At first, the 2019 Altrovino appears dark and deep. For me, the wine is a banker in terms of fruit concentration and cool elegance at the same time. Pickled morello cherries, plums and sweet cherries make a fruity start. Blackberry, mulberry, fig and raspberry join in. Melted dark chocolate now makes its way to the surface. Closely followed by a hint of mocha and cigar box. The spicy roasted aromas fan out. Cedarwood, undergrowth as well as black pepper and warm leather also emerge in turn. Cinnamon and clove still make their way into the glass from the spice cabinet. But the cool charisma that emanates from this wine is always in the background.

With a pithy tannin, it spreads out on the palate. The tannin is not unpleasant at this young stage, but it is quite present. Behind it, the juicy fruit is intense and expansive. Luca d'Attoma, however, manages to tame this power and intensity in his wines. The coolness takes over and brings the ship back on the elegant path. Tart, green aromas are added in a very balanced way. This brings plenty of tension to the palate. The fruit reappears in the finish, but is much more restrained.