“Desiderio” Merlot Toscana IGT 2021 (BIO)

Avignonesi | Tuscany
Avignonesi s.r.l. s.a. Soc. Benefit | Via Colonica 1 | IT 53045 Valiano di Montepulciano

09913021 · 0,75 l · 65,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

More than a hundred years ago, a white bull named Desiderio lived on the Capezzine farm in Avignonesi. He was the largest bull in Tuscany at the time – and what's more, he is one of the recognised ancestors of the Chianina breed, the noble breed of cattle from which the Bistecca Fiorentina is cut. Anyone enjoying a Florentine-style T-bone steak today is likely to have a little bit of Desiderio's DNA on their plate. It was therefore a natural choice for Avignonesi to name its most powerful red wine after him. The label shows him – and changes with every vintage. The sky, lighting mood and details in the illustration tell of the climate of the year: whether hot or cool, dry or balanced. A quiet commentary on the vintage in pictorial form.

Desiderio is 100% Merlot – and it does not come from Montepulciano, but from Cortona. The Val di Chiana, a few kilometres away, offers clayey, mineral-rich soils on a different subsoil than the hills around Montepulciano: warmer, fuller, with a depth that particularly suits Merlot. Biodynamically farmed like the entire Avignonesi estate, harvested by hand, fermented with the estate's own natural yeasts using the pied-de-cuve method. 25 to 30 days of contact with the skins in steel, daily pumping over and suppression of the skins – for concentration and texture without over-extraction. Matured in French oak barrels.

2021 shows the Desiderio from a side that describes the vintage: structured and dark, but with a juiciness and freshness that is lacking in hotter years. The nose opens with an almost explosive breadth: cherry jam, mulberry, a hint of wisteria blossom, black tea, liquorice. On the palate, the entry is dark and textured, warm and enveloping – and then the acidity kicks in, giving the wine tension and length. The tannins are fine-grained and precise, the finish is savoury, with notes of pepper and dark spices. A wine that is named after the largest bull in Tuscany – and does him no dishonour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour with a violet shimmer and very delicate rim brightening. Inviting nose, delicate fruit, reminiscent of plum, with some graphite and tobacco behind it. Elegant on the palate, velvety tannins, balanced acidity, slightly spicy, long final." Falstaff

"This red shows excellent depth, with a thyme and cedar edge to its black currant, blackberry and plum core. Iron and forest floor round out the complex range of flavors, while burly tannins gird the finish." Wine Spectator

"Rich nose of dark cherries, blueberries, violets, licorice and moist earth. The medium- to full-bodied palate has a dusty texture and a tightly wound structure with a juicy fruit core. Slightly cedary finish with bitter spices." James Suckling

"The 2021 Desiderio wafts up with a darkly floral blend of wilted violet, chalk dust and wild blueberry scents. It's silken in feel, with crisp wild berry fruit and citrus tones that swirl across a core of salty minerals. This leaves the palate reeling with youthful tension. It's tannic and long yet wonderfully balanced, leaving a resonance of lavender that lingers on." Vinous