2021 Capezzana, Villa de - Barco Reale di Carmignano DOC

Tenuta di Capezzana sits about twelve miles west of Florence in the Carmignano subzone, and its winemaking history reaches back extraordinarily far: a parchment dated 804 found in Florence's state archives documents vines and olive trees already being cultivated on the property at that time. The estate has been in the hands of the Contini Bonacossi family for five generations, since Count Alessandro Contini Bonacossi purchased it in 1920. Of its 270 hectares, roughly 80 are certified organic vineyard, farmed today under the direction of winemaker Benedetta Contini Bonacossi.

Barco Reale takes its name from a Medici hunting preserve established in 1626, once enclosed by more than 30 miles of wall, and serves as a younger, earlier-drinking counterpart to the estate's Carmignano DOCG wines. The blend leans on Sangiovese, filled out with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Canaiolo grown on clay, limestone, schist, and marl soils between 180 and 220 meters of elevation. After a native-yeast fermentation with about a week of skin contact, the wine rests in older, untoasted French and Slavonian oak for several months before bottling.

The 2021 shows deep ruby with violet highlights, an intense, fruity bouquet touched by subtle oak, and a soft, broad palate with sweet, well-balanced tannins. It finishes long and fruity, pairing nicely with grilled pork chops, lasagna with a meaty ragù, or a plate of cured meats.