2021 Il Carnasciale 'Carnasciale' Toscana Rosso

Aromas of black cherry, wild plum, and crushed violets integrate with savory notes of rosemary, cedar, and a hint of dark chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied and exceptionally supple, featuring a core of brambly fruit and a polished, seamless texture. It displays fine-grained tannins and a bright acidity that leads to a long, energetic finish marked by a touch of spice and a cool stony mineral lift.

Winemaker Peter Schilling and the Rogosky family utilize 100% Caberlot, a rare and mysterious natural hybrid of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. In the cellar, the fruit is fermented in small stainless steel tanks using native yeasts to preserve the specific character of the variety. The wine undergoes a gentle maceration with manual punch-downs before maturing for twenty-two months in French oak barriques, only a small portion of which are new. This patient process allows the bold fruit to integrate with the structural elements without being dominated by wood.

The fruit is grown in the Valdarno di Sopra region of Tuscany, specifically from high-altitude vineyards overlooking the Arno valley. The site is defined by its rocky, sandstone-dominant soils and a unique microclimate that experiences significant cooling at night. These rugged, hillside plots favor the Caberlot grape, allowing it to ripen slowly while maintaining a fresh, linear structure. This distinctive terroir produces a wine that sits between the plushness of a Merlot and the aromatic spice of a Cabernet Franc, reflecting the singular identity of this historic estate.