Toscana IGT Sangiovese In Grandi Annate 2021 Avignonesi

What kind of wine is it

The Sangiovese "In Grandi Annate" is a red wine made from pure Sangiovese, an expression of Avignonesi’s more free-spirited line within the Toscana appellation. It is conceived not as the story of a single vineyard, but as a selection of the vintage’s best lots, chosen for their ability to convey energy, depth and balance. It is produced only in vintages deemed worthy of this expression, and 2021 is one of them.

Where it comes from

The project bears the signature of Avignonesi, a historic winery in Montepulciano. The grapes of the 2021 vintage come mainly from the Poggetti, El Grasso, Banditella and Le Badelle estates, characterized by Pliocene marine-origin soils, clay-silt and calcareous, with a smaller contribution from the Valiano estate, where Pleistocene fluvio-lacustrine soils richer in sands and clays prevail. The final blend brings together the lots that best expressed the character of this vintage.

How it is made

The 2021 harvest took place between 13 and 29 September. In the cellar, variable amounts of whole cluster were used depending on the characteristics of each lot, with macerations lasting from fifteen to thirty-five days according to skin quality. For each lot a dedicated pied de cuve is prepared to start spontaneous fermentation without the use of selected yeasts. This is followed by twenty-four months of ageing in Slavonian oak casks.

Tasting notes

The colour is a deep, bright ruby red. On the nose, the 2021 opens on ripe red and black berries, wild herbs, spices and balsamic notes, in a complex and dynamic profile. On the palate it shows great depth and a vibrant tension that supports the entire structure: energy, precision and persistence merge into a generous yet never heavy mouthfeel, with a long evolution ahead.

Food pairings

Its structure and tension make it ideal with red meats grilled or roasted, braises and long-cooked stews. It also pairs effectively with game and aged cheeses, able to stand up to the wine’s persistence without being overwhelmed.

When to serve it

This is a main-course wine, suited to important convivial occasions and boldly flavoured dishes. It is advisable to uncork it somewhat ahead of serving to encourage oxygenation and allow the bouquet to open fully. Given its structure, the 2021 vintage lends itself both to drinking now and to further ageing in bottle.