Castello del Terriccio, Tassinaia 2019 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot)

Castello del Terriccio, located along Tuscany’s northern coast, is renowned for its elegant, terroir-driven Super Tuscans. Established in 1992, Tassinaia is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in almost equal percentages. The wine is named after the farmhouse on one of the estate's hills called “Le Tassinaie,” which translates to “the place of the stones,” reflecting the stony and fossil-rich soils of the vineyards. The 2019 vintage benefited from a variable climate, with alternating periods of rain and drought, leading to a balanced and expressive wine. After fermentation, the wine aged for 16 months in French oak tonneaux, followed by an additional 12 months in the bottle before release.

Appearance: In the glass, the 2019 Tassinaia presents a deep, dark ruby hue with vibrant garnet reflections at the rim, indicating both youth and potential for aging. The wine’s clarity and brilliance reflect careful vinification, while its rich colour suggests a well-extracted and structured blend. Slow-moving, defined legs cling to the glass, hinting at a balanced level of alcohol and a supple mouthfeel.

Aroma: The nose opens with an expressive bouquet of ripe dark fruits, including black cherries, blackberries, and cassis. Beneath the fruit, there are layers of earthy aromas such as crushed violets, cedarwood, and a subtle hint of graphite. As the wine breathes, notes of tobacco, dark chocolate, and a touch of freshly ground black pepper emerge, adding complexity and depth. A delicate balsamic undertone, combined with whispers of vanilla and toasted oak, rounds out the aromatic profile.

Taste: On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and layered, offering a luscious core of dark berries, plum, and wild blackcurrants. The fruit is complemented by savoury elements of dried Mediterranean herbs, black olives, and subtle leather. The tannins are firm yet polished, giving the wine structure while allowing for a smooth, velvety texture. Hints of espresso, dark cocoa, and sweet spice from the oak aging integrate seamlessly, adding warmth and refinement. A vibrant acidity keeps the wine fresh, ensuring a harmonious balance between richness and elegance.

Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with persistent dark fruit notes gradually giving way to savoury spices and mineral undertones. Fine-grained tannins extend the wine’s depth, while a touch of smoky cedar and a hint of liquorice emerge in the final moments. As the flavours fade, a refreshing lift of acidity leaves the palate clean yet intrigued, suggesting that the wine will continue to evolve beautifully with age.

Food Pairing: Tassinaia 2019 pairs exceptionally well with hearty dishes such as slow-cooked porchetta wrapped in jamón, where its tannic structure and dark fruit notes complement the dish’s richness. It also works beautifully with grilled ribeye steak, braised short ribs, or herb-crusted lamb chops, enhancing the savoury depth of the meats. Aged Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano-Reggiano provide an excellent cheese pairing, as their sharpness balances the wine’s fruit and spice profile. The wine’s complexity also makes it a fantastic match for roasted game meats with wild mushroom sauce or slow-braised beef with rosemary and thyme.

Castello del Terriccio’s Tassinaia 2019 exemplifies the estate’s commitment to crafting wines that harmoniously blend Bordeaux varietals with the richness of the Tuscan climate. This vintage offers a balance of ripe fruit, structured tannins, and vibrant acidity, making it both enjoyable now and promising further complexity with age.