Avignonesi DaDi Toscana 2022

Avignonesi, the historic Montepulciano estate now run biodynamically by Virginie Saverys, makes this IGP Toscana red from an old style blend of local varieties: Canaiolo, Sangiovese, Mammolo, Alicante and Ciliegiolo. The vineyards sit on the clay and limestone soils of Montepulciano, in the hills of Siena, where the continental climate with its warm days and cool nights keeps acidity fresh and the fruit bright. The estate is organic and the wine is vegan. What sets DaDi apart is its six months in clay amphorae rather than oak. The neutral clay allows slow, gentle oxygen exchange without adding any wood flavour, so the wine keeps its pure, spicy fruit and a light, fluid texture. The use of several minor varieties alongside Sangiovese gives an aromatic, perfumed character. The colour is bright, light ruby. The nose is intense and spicy, with raspberry and redcurrant over cinnamon and star anise, and the palate is light bodied and fresh, with soft tannin, vivid acidity and a clean, peppery finish. Serve lightly cool at 14 to 16 degrees in a standard glass. It suits lighter meats and vegetable dishes.