2020 Ventaglio, Argentiera, Tuscany, Italy
Critics reviews
The nose shows perfect Cabernet Franc character with roses, flower stems, hints of herbs, fresh sage and lavender, blackcurrants, and blackberries. Full to medium body with tannins that melt into the wine and are wonderfully integrated. You feel them but don’t see them. They are vertical and endless—a truly great Cabernet Franc from 1.5 hectares in Bolgheri.
Best after 2028
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (August 2023)
About this WINE
Tenuta Argentiera
Ambitious Tenuta Argentiera own 86 hectares of vineyards in the southern extremities of the Bolgheri growing zone. They occupy land which, for thousands of years, has been precious, once an Etruscan silver mine. Now there is a newfound value to their land. Their vineyards are some of the closest to the Tyrrhenian Sea, but also have the highest average elevation of vineyards due the hillside plateau where most of the vineyards perch at an altitude between 160 – 210 metres. Although this might not sound like much, it makes a dramatic difference to the final wine; over the summer months, their vines on average are four degrees celcius cooler than Bolgheri’s main vineyards below on the alluvial pianura (plain), thus allowing for slower maturation in the grapes, and added complexity and freshness. The soils too are different from much of the area, and share more similarities to much of Montalcino with sand and mineral-flecked galestro.
Vineyards were planted under the direction of Pietro Antinori from 1990, and the winery have worked with well-known consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt to help realise their potential. The winemaker is local Nicola Carrera. After graduating from Pisa University, Nicola has worked at Australia’s Torbreck, Super Tuscan Tua Rita and Margaux’s Château Palmer before setting his sights on Cabernet and Merlot a little closer to home. Tenuta Argentiera make a classical Bolgheri wine. They have the team, the terroir and potential to be one of the great names of Bolgheri. With this release, they step closer to realising their ambition.
IGT Tuscany
IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) Tuscany is a wine classification from Italy's Tuscany region. It is one of the official wine classifications recognized by the Italian government. IGT is a step below the highest classification, DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), and above the DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) level.
The IGT classification was introduced in 1992 to allow winemakers more flexibility in grape varieties and employ winemaking techniques while still ensuring a certain level of quality and geographical indication. This classification gives winemakers more freedom to experiment and innovate, deviating from the strict regulations of the DOC and DOCG classifications.
IGT Tuscany wines can be produced throughout the entire region of Tuscany, encompassing various sub-regions and terroirs within the area. This classification allows winemakers to use traditional Tuscan grape varieties, such as Sangiovese, and non-traditional grape varieties, including international ones like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and others.
The IGT Tuscany classification gives winemakers the flexibility to create wines that showcase the unique characteristics of their specific vineyards and winemaking styles. It allows for experimentation with blending different grape varieties, using innovative winemaking techniques, and exploring new regional vineyard sites.
IGT Tuscany wines can vary greatly, from traditional and terroir-driven expressions to more modern and international styles. This classification has played a significant role in developing Super Tuscan wines, often IGT designated and known for their high quality and international recognition.
Overall, IGT Tuscany provides a platform for winemakers in the region to express their creativity and produce wines that reflect their unique vision while maintaining a connection to the rich heritage and traditions of winemaking in Tuscany.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is widely planted in Bordeaux and is the most important black grape grown in the Loire. In the Médoc it may constitute up to 15% of a typical vineyard - it is always blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and is used to add bouquet and complexity to the wines. It is more widely used in St.Emilion where it adapts well to the cooler and moister clay soils - Cheval Blanc is the most famous Cabernet Franc wine in the world, with the final blend consisting of up to 65% of the grape.
Cabernet Franc thrives in the Loire where the cooler growing conditions serve to accentuate the grape's herbaceous, grassy, lead pencil aromas. The best wines come from the tuffeaux limestone slopes of Chinon and Bourgeil where growers such as Jacky Blot produce intense well-structured wines that possess excellent cellaring potential.
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Description
Only 2,700 bottles of this were produced.
Ventalgio, which refers to the fan-like shape of this sea-facing vineyard, was Argentiera’s first single vineyard wine, produced for the first time in 2015. This is only made when the vintage conditions suit the wine perfectly. Always 100% Cabernet Franc, it is unique and hauntingly beautiful. The palate is doused with an ethereal coating of blackberry and vanilla, with wild, vibrant pomegranate seeds and blueberry. This is like a rotating sphere of flavour that constantly reveals a new sensation. It’s so pure and elegant that it almost resembles fine Pinot Noir.
Drink 2025 - 2040+
Charlie Leech, Buying Assistant, Berry Bros. & Rudd (July 2024)
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