CAIAROSSA, ARIA DI CAIAROSSA

TUSCANY, ITALY 2013

Decades ago, iconic estates such as Sassicaia proved to wine lovers and critics alike that the Tuscan coast is an exceptional match for Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. On the other hand, the area of Val di Cecina (just a short half-hour’s drive north), with its beautiful hills scattered among medieval villages, military strongholds, parish churches and abbeys, has always had the potential to produce world-class wines rivaling those of Bolgheri– but has until only recently come into its own. 
 

Eric Albada Jelgersma, owner of Chateau Giscours and Chateau du Terte in Bordeaux, recognized the potential for greatness here for French varieties. In 2004 he acquired the then recently-established property of Caiarossa, whose wines Monica Larner of Wine Advocate declared are “always a treat to taste and they remind us of the winemaking potential of this unknown area.” Since then, the wines have simply become majestic – while remaining unbelievable values – with scores consistently 94+ points year after year. It is only a matter of time until Val di Cecina and Caiarossa will be household names. Today we were able to secure an allocation of their recently released, 94-Point 2013 Aria di Caiarossa, a serious red that will age beautifully for decades to come.
 

Founded in 1998, Caiarossa has since been certified organic and biodynamic. With Toulouse-educated enologist Julian Renaud on board to oversee the viticulture and winemaking, the French connection to this Tuscan winery becomes even more pronounced – yet the terroir is all-Italian, with the name Caiarossa being an homage to the soil itself: Jasper, rock and pebbles that are concentrated colors of red. Working with just 30 hectares of vines spread across two farms, the wines of Caiarossa are various combinations of 10 varieties, both red and white, that are meticulously planted throughout the property. Hand harvested, the Aria di Caiarossa is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with Syrah from two distinct vineyards, Podere Nocolino and Podere le Lame, to provide extra lift and balance. Fermented with indigenous yeast and aged in barriques and tonneaux for about 14 months, the wine is absolutely spectacular.
 

Aria di Caiarossa’s first vintage was 2011 and has quickly established itself as a must-have for anyone’s collection. The 2013 is plump, juicy and opulent, with notes of ripe plum, raspberry jam and balsamic. Flavors of dark cherries and plums are complemented by baking spices and mocha, with a hint of cloves and licorice. Velvety texture and supple, fine-grained tannins lead to a lingering finish that shows this wine still has so much to offer over the next 10-20 years. With up to 25% off and only 75 cases available, this will surely sell out. We suggest acting quickly to secure your orders!