There are many reasons to fall in love with Tuscany, could Cabernet Sauvignon be one of them?
Cabernet Sauvignon is probably the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every wine country in the world. When we talk about wine in Tuscany, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Sangiovese. While Sangiovese is the king here, you cannot talk about Tuscan grapes without talking about Cabernet, and other grape varieties – Merlot and Syran included, that are not native to the territory but equally important.
The story goes back to the 1970s when some winemakers began mixing non-traditional grape varieties into their blends to make high-quality wines – a local take on the classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. At the time they emerged, they were considered some of the region’s best Reds. Yet ironically, they were technically table wines as they were not eligible to be classified as a DOCG recognized product, due to the regulations and government rules of the aging and blending of wines. The term “Super Tuscan” is then used to describe these red wines from Tuscany which include non-indigenous grapes – particularly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. The creation of super Tuscan wines basically resulted from the frustration winemakers had towards a slow bureaucracy in changing Italy’s wine law. Fast forward to today, Toscana IGT is now the most popular and famous of Italy’s Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) titles. Free from the stylistic constraints imposed on DOCG and DOC wines, Toscana IGT wines can be made in almost every form imaginable, from bone-dry whites to sparkling Rosés. Tuscany is not only a land of tradition, but also innovation, especially when it comes to winemaking.
This Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich expression of the varietal, boasting complex aromas of ripe red cherry with concentrated flavors of spice and licorice. The forward palate delivers black currant, star anise, cedar, and vanilla – full, warm and satisfying. Pair with lamb Bolognese (or even better, with some white truffle!), steak with peppercorn sauce, or mushroom pizza!
If you’re a fan of wines that challenge the status quo and dare to break traditional winemaking standards – try this!
Xingyu / winememoir: The Unofficial Star Of Tuscany – Cabernet Sauvignon
