Cabernet Franc 2019

Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, the Le Crocine estate lies near the Tyrrhenian coast, in a landscape of rolling hills and Mediterranean forests. The Cabernet Franc vines are planted in soils that blend clay, sand, and pebbles, benefiting from a climate tempered by sea breezes. This geographical location promotes a slow and even ripening of the grapes, preserving the aromatic freshness and natural balance of the wine, while precisely expressing the character of this unique Tuscan terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe red and black fruits and violet , enhanced by hints of pepper and sweet spices , as well as subtle woody and slightly smoky accents. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, with fine but present tannins , well-integrated acidity that provides length, and a persistent finish marked by nuances of graphite and Mediterranean herbs .

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!