Tuscany confirms itself this year as the most awarded region in the Guide, with a total of 89 Tre Bicchieri. The number of finalist wines, the two red glasses, is a remarkable 327. Due to the vastness of territory and denominations, the variety of styles and terroirs, these results are well justified. There is a dynamism, a desire to grow and deepen the connection with the land that knows no pause. But the entire Tuscan Coast is a true open-air laboratory, with wines from international grape varieties, where Cabernet Franc seems to have an extra edge, but not exclusively. Upon closer inspection, every corner of the region has something new and fascinating to offer.
Tre Bicchieri 2024: The Best Cabernet Franc Wines in Tuscany
Focusing on 8 great wines based on Cabernet Franc, all labels that have received the Tre Bicchieri in the Gambero Rosso Vini d'Italia 2024 guide.
L'Arcanum '19 - Tenuta di Arceno
Made solely from Cabernet Franc grapes, it possesses herbaceous aromas with hints of licorice and coffee powder. Textured and powerful on the palate, it concludes with a long and persistent finish, featuring both fruity and balsamic returns. Located near Castelnuovo Berardenga, the "capital" of the southernmost Additional Geographic Unit of the Chianti Classico denomination, Tenuta di Arceno is increasingly convincing. Owned by the American Kendall-Jackson Group, this estate produces well-focused labels of impeccable craftsmanship, from Chianti sangiovese, presented with a subtly modern style, to Bordeaux-style blends and purities, all executed with equal measure and sophistication.
Auritea '18 - Tenute Lunelli - Tenuta Podernovo
The true standout of the range, it exudes character, elegant tannins, good freshness, and a convincing, deep, and savory aftertaste. Purchased in 2000 by the Lunelli family, this beautiful estate in the heart of Tuscany, on the hills of Pisa, a few kilometers from the sea, features a cellar built with local stone in perfect harmony with the environment. The wines produced here primarily come from Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, and Merlot.
Duemani '20
An excellent Cabernet Franc in purity with a complex aromatic range: subtle balsamic notes, hints of vanilla and juniper, and black fruits. The sip is very enjoyable, rich in substance, fresh with acidity, lively, with a relaxed, tasty, and long finish. Luca D'Attoma, a renowned wine consultant, succeeded in establishing his winery, along with his wife Elena Celli, in 2000 in the hills of Riparbella, near Pisa. The vineyards were replanted with grape varieties he prefers, such as Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Merlot.
Il Guardiavigna '19 - Podere Forte
Made from pure Cabernet Franc, it presents an elegant aromatic profile where green bell pepper combines with hints of mint and eucalyptus, and a subtle touch of black fruits. The body is slender, with well-integrated creamy tannins, lively acidic notes, and a juicy finish. Podere Forte, located in the Val d'Orcia, was founded in 1997 by entrepreneur Pasquale Forte, with a focus on biodynamic agriculture.
La Regola '20
A pure Cabernet Franc with a broad bouquet, featuring roasted green bell pepper, pennyroyal, and mint on a fruity base of currants and blackberries. The taste reveals a juicy, elegant body with fused tannins and a beautiful, long, and articulate finish. Winemaking in Riparbella dates back to 2500 years ago when the Etruscans practiced it. The Nuti family purchased their first plot here in 1900, a few kilometers from the sea. Today, brothers Luca and Flavio are leading the modernization of the estate.
Paleo Rosso 2020 - Le Macchiole
A Cabernet Franc showing intense and fine balsamic notes, exploding into tones of currants and small red fruits, shifting to balsamic tones of eucalyptus. Good entry, with creamy tannins, a fresh acidic backbone, and a captivating finish. Le Macchiole, founded about forty years ago by Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli, is not only committed to territory and environmental conservation but also to the visual arts through various projects.
Poggio de' Colli 2020 - Piaggia
From the Vigna Poggio de' Colli, a pure Cabernet Franc and a national celebrity. The intense and complex bouquet offers a medley of berries, enriched by laurel, a hint of bell pepper, and teasing hints of roasting. A great wine with a solid sip and unexpected grace. Piaggia, founded by Mauro Vannucci in the mid-'70s and now led by his daughter Silvia, has always been a reference point for the Carmignano territory.
Tenuta di Trinoro 2020
A classic Bordeaux blend that varies every year, still surprising with its aromatic complexity. From initial saline and iodine tones, it elegantly shifts to vegetal notes of eucalyptus and bell pepper. In the mouth, it reveals great softness, fine, creamy tannins, closing long with notes of black fruit and spices. Located in the Val d'Orcia, near Sarteano, Tenuta di Trinoro was founded in the '80s by Andrea Franchetti, known for his Bordeaux background and the similarity of these lands to those of St. Emilion. Today, Andrea's son Benjamin leads the estate.
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