Aia Vecchia Lagone Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Aia Vecchia is a renowned winery located in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany, Italy. The estate is owned by the Pellegrini family, who has a rich history in winemaking dating back to the 1700s. Aia Vecchia has become well-known for producing high-quality Super Tuscan wines that blend international grape varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Among their notable wines, the Lagone is a flagship red that showcases the estate's dedication to producing wines with a harmonious balance of tradition and innovation.

The terroir of Aia Vecchia is characterized by its proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea, which provides a unique microclimate with cooling sea breezes and ample sunshine. The vineyard soil is composed of clay, limestone, and sandy loam, which offers excellent drainage and contributes to the complex flavour profile of the wines. The 2020 vintage of Lagone is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using hand-harvested grapes that are fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and purity of fruit. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, enhancing its depth and structure.

Appearance: The Aia Vecchia Lagone 2020 has a deep ruby colour with purple hues that reflect its youth and vibrancy.

Aroma: On the nose, this wine offers an enticing bouquet of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plums, interwoven with notes of vanilla, cocoa, and a hint of tobacco.

Taste: The palate is rich and velvety, with flavours of juicy dark fruits, complemented by subtle spices and a touch of chocolate. The wine's well-integrated tannins provide a smooth texture, while a balanced acidity adds freshness and lift.

Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving lingering notes of dark berries and a delicate hint of oak.

Food pairing: The Aia Vecchia Lagone 2020 would pair beautifully with spiced lamb ribs with burnt maple, parsley, hazelnut crumb, and Persian feta, where the wine’s richness and smooth tannins will complement the savoury, spiced meat, and the herbal elements will echo the dish’s flavours. Another excellent pairing would be slow-cooked porchetta wrapped in jamon with cavolo nero, parsley, garlic, onion jam, and red wine jus; the wine’s acidity and fruitiness will balance the richness of the pork, while its earthy undertones will enhance the dish’s depth.