Two rare Cabernet Francs full of charm from Bolgheri in Tuscany

Jun 19 2023, 14:21 | by Gambero Rosso

In this episode of Vini Rari - Rare Wines we discover two interpretations of the same grape variety grown in the suitable area of Bolgheri. Two cabernet franc-based reds of great character and richness produced in a limited number of bottles

Same territory, same grape, same vintage. This week Rare Wines takes us to Bolgheri and lets us discover two little-known but fascinating labels, especially for the stories behind them. Both wines are the result of (almost) pure Cabernet Franc. The first wine is produced by Alessandro Scappini at Podere Il Castellaccio. An agronomist, strong advocate of native grape varieties also in the Bolgheri area, he has been producing Castellaccio for a few years focussing - in this case - on the franc with a small balance of the particular pugnitello grape.

Very authentic wine and all played on finesse and flavour. The second, 100% cabernet franc, is a rich and material wine, but with a profound balance. It is produced by Niccolò Marzichi Lenzi, son of Ilaria Antinori and married to Joy Green, with whom he shares his life and passion for wine. Eva, the rare wine we present to you, is dedicated to the famous French actress and Joy's twin sister. Here too the bottles are few, but the character is big.

Rare Wines: two cabernet from Tuscany to discover

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Cuvée Eva 2020

Le Crocine

Tuscany

red

Score:

/100

VINEYARD | Eva is a pure cabernet franc that comes from a small vineyard located in the municipality of Bibbona. In 2020, the winery produced around 3,000 bottles. The result of an agriculture that follows the dictates of organic farming, the first vintage was 2016. The plot is located in a privileged area, close to the maquis biome, it fully enjoys the Mediterranean climate and boasts fresh soils where the producer works with careful and parsimonious management of the vineyard.   PERSON | Tuscany meets France in the story of this wine conceived by Niccolò Marzichi Lenzi - son of Ilaria Antinori, sister of Ludovico and Piero - his wife Joy, twin sister of the great actress Eva Green. And...

wine

Bolgheri Rosso Sup. Il Castellaccio 2020

Podere Il Castellaccio

Tuscany

red

Score:

/100

VINEYARD | Castellaccio is obtained from a single alberello-trained vineyard of about one hectare on the Segalari hill, in Castagneto Carducci., located at an altitude of 160 metres with north/south exposure. The soil is marl shale. The bottles produced are around 2,400 and are the fruit of a plot planted in 2014. The first vintage produced was 2018. A horse is used for the work in the vineyard, which takes care of the ploughing and harrowing, thus preserving the plants and allowing greater soil oxygenation. PERSON | Alessandro Scappini, agronomist, is a local wine producer who has made native grapes his workhorse. From the hill of the main town he has developed a true and dynamic line, often going against...