Avignonesi 50 & 50 Capannelle 2019

Avignonesi 50 & 50 2019, two Tuscans come together

There are blends that tell a story of a meeting as much as of a terroir. With the 50 & 50 2019, Avignonesi and Capannelle combine Merlot and Sangiovese in equal parts: two grape varieties, two identities, brought together in a generous and structured Tuscan red. I recommend it to those who enjoy generous wines but also want to find in the glass a story and a real place given to balance.

An alliance born around a Tuscan table

The story of the 50 & 50 begins in 1978, at a dinner where the owners of Avignonesi and Capannelle at the time first set out to defend the superiority of their own wines. The discussion led to a shared idea: create a Tuscan wine made half from Avignonesi Merlot and half from Capannelle Sangiovese. The owners of the two estates have changed since, but this alliance and the search for harmony between the two grape varieties have remained at the heart of the project. The 2019 is presented in the Super Tuscan style, a Tuscan expression built here around a precise blend rather than a single grape variety.

The aging supports this composition in several stages. The Merlot spends twelve months in new French oak barrels before being blended with the Sangiovese. The cuvée then continues aging for twenty-four months in new casks, in order to develop its complexity and harmonize the two parts. In the glass, its deep ruby color announces a rich bouquet of wild currant, raspberry, dried Mediterranean herbs and gentle spices. The palate extends this intensity with notes of blackcurrant, leather, cigar box and vanilla. The tannins are ripe and well developed; the structure remains firm, while the finish stretches out at length. The average score of 94/100 noted by experts matches the impression of a wine crafted to combine richness and poise.

At the table, Tuscany on the plate

Je le servirais avec une cuisine toscane traditionnelle ou un plat de pâtes généreux : les saveurs profondes du vin ont de quoi répondre à une assiette consistante sans effacer ses nuances de fruits, d’herbes et d’épices. Pour laisser les arômes s’ouvrir, prévois une décantation d’environ deux heures avant le service. Le vin peut aussi être gardé vingt ans ou davantage, selon les indications disponibles : une option à considérer si tu préfères laisser évoluer ses tanins et ses arômes. À table dès maintenant ou réservé pour une occasion future, ce 50 & 50 invite à goûter le résultat d’une conversation commencée autour d’un dîner.