Castelli dei Grevpesa Strade di Toscana 2021

Region: Tuscany, Italy

Grape Varieties: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 25% Syrah

When I first saw this bottle on a table at a trade tasting in Connecticut a couple of years ago I was skeptical. Pretty labels are always a warning sign to me, often hiding inferior wines. To my surprise that bottling, the 2019, was delicious and every year since this bottle has been a top seller.

It is made by winemaker Armando Nunzi, who founded the Castelli del Grevepesa co-op with 17 neighboring winegrowers in the 1960s.  Pooling their resources to improve the marketing and winemaking techniques, today, the co-op numbers over 100 growers and we find many great values at this address.

Like so many “Super Tuscan” wines this one is based on 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the remaining balance split between Merlot and Syrah. This wine spends a little time in small oak barrels to soften the edges and to add a little spice. I would strongly suggest decanting this wine to reveal notes of dried blueberry, boysenberry preserve, fennel seed, balsamic syrup, and cigar wrapper. Drink now through 2028 with pork chops, pasta Carbonara, or grilled Italian sausages.