Tenuta Meraviglia Bolgheri Superiore DOC "Maestro di Cava" 2017

A new entry for Bolgheri, Maestro di Cava is the 100% Cabernet Franc made by Alberto Antonini with Pedro Parra consulting. The grapes were picked earlier rather than later, the extraction and maceration were kept as light as possible, and the wine was matured in - quite unusually for Bolgheri - big oak vessels. Its style is more northern than typical Bolgheri. The result is an earthy wine with bell pepper notes well integrated with restrained cassis and kiwi. It's delicious for its drinkability and lightness, and the tannins are velvety and graceful, while the finish is focused on freshness and savoury character.

A release of 5,000 bottles, the Dievole 2017 Bolgheri Superiore Tenuta Meraviglia Maestro di Cava shows a rich and broad personality, revealing lots of plummy dark fruit, blackberry and a touch of sweet spice and smoke. As the wine evolves in the glass, it displays hints of rosemary essence, black olive, dried oregano and other heavily Mediterranean accents. This winning expression of Cabernet Franc achieves terrific balance, a common trait across the Dievole offerings, whether they be from here on the Tuscan Coast or further inland in Chianti Classico where this estate also operates. The hot-vintage ripeness is well managed, as is the elegant use of oak. Try a classic Tuscan wild boar recipe for this one.