Podere Il Castellaccio Valénte 2020

Podere Il Castellaccio farms near Castagneto Carducci in the Bolgheri area of coastal Tuscany, an estate rooted in 1960 and dedicated to recovering three almost-vanished indigenous grapes: Sangiovese alongside the rare Foglia Tonda and Pugnitello. Valénte is their organic IGP Toscana red built on these natives, grown on the warm, coastal-influenced soils of the Tyrrhenian seaboard. The maritime climate and good diurnal swing keep acidity bright while the fruit ripens fully. The wine is aged twelve months in foudres, large old oak casks whose low surface-to-volume ratio means very little oak flavour and slow, gentle oxygen exchange, building texture and integrating tannin while keeping the indigenous varieties expressive. Expect a ruby colour and a nose of red cherry, wild berries and plum with dried herbs, tobacco, black pepper and an earthy undertone. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, with fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity and a long, dry finish that reflects the cool maritime edge of the site. Serve at around 17 degrees with a short decant. It pairs well with grilled and roast red meats, game and mushroom dishes.