2012 Duemani, CiFRA Cabernet Franc, Costa Toscana IGP, Italy.
This all biodynamic Cabernet Franc from the Tuscan coast region, not too far from the famed Bolgheri area and is hand crafted by Luca D’Attoma, one of Italy’s best winemakers. D’Attoma consults for many top estates in this area including Tua Rita, Fattoria Le Pupille and Tenuta I Geppi just to name a few, but his biggest claim to fame was making the great and acclaimed wines at Le Macchiole that rivaled Sassacia and Ornellaia, especially his Messorio, a 100% Merlot that could be compared to Petrus! D’Attoma believes in biodynamics in his farming at his Duemani estate (Demeter certified) which he runs with his partner Elena Celli, he employs mostly natural winemaking practices and on most of his reds he uses a combination of cement and French oak, but this CiFRA is 100% Cabernet Franc that sees no oak at all, it might be the purest form of Cabernet Franc outside the Loire Valley, and it lacks for nothing, this is a glorious and seductive wine. Luca D’Attoma, an ex Rugby player, is truly gifted and this wonderful 2012 Duemani CiFRA Cabernet Franc is utterly stunning with gorgeous deep fruit, spice, texture and vibrancy, this is a wine that has soul and personality, and is most certainly a terroir wine, you get the impression of it’s varietal character, but it sings in Italian and is darkly sexy and compelling with black cherry, blackberry, tangy currants, dusty plum and huckleberry fruits with hints of loamy earth, pepper, herb and iron/mineral notes along with a touch of leather, cedar and black olives in a dense, but lifting medium weight frame, well integrated tannins and satin/silky mouth feel. This Cabernet Franc is stylish, elegant, supple and perfectly understated, I was left very impressed and want more, drink this fantastic Tuscan coast red between 2015 and 2020, imported by A.I. Selections, and just hitting the shelves now, this is a superb value, I highly recommend searching this one out, and now!
($32 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
