Castello del Terriccio Tassinaia | 2019

Super Tuscan is a misleading term, not defined by law, but if you had to put your money on it, you’re most likely drinking international grapes from Tuscany. Castello de Terriccio is a "Super Tuscan" estate, owned by one man, Vittorio Piozzo di Rosignano. Spreading over 1,000 hectares, including its own village, castle and church, Terriccio is one of Italy’s largest privately owned wine estates located just north of Bolgheri. Influenced by the daily breezes of the Tyrrhenian Sea, it's a spectacular paradise of wildlife, many different soil types, aspects, and micro-climates. Vittorio is leading Terriccio into a new era, one in which the wines are more elegant and less oaky than their 1990 beefy counterparts. Fermentations are longer and slower, and barrique has been exchanged for older and larger French barrels. Tassinaia is an excellent introduction to Vittorio's progress. This entry-level wine of the estate is a classic Super Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The palate is a luscious mix of tart berries and ripe ones. Then the “Macchia” of the Mediterranean turns-on with forest greens, purple spice, and sunbaked earth, followed by an irresistible olive-like salinity on the finish. More medium body than full, Tassinaia indicates the comeback of Castello del Terriccio and proves that not all Super Tuscans are so big and uninteresting. ~Allegra A