Vallepicciola Toscana Cabernet Franc Mordese 2022 (750ml) *

Cabernet Franc grown in Tuscany occupies interesting territory, keeping the grape's herbal, structured character while picking up the warmth of central Italian sun. This is Vallepicciola's varietal bottling under the Toscana designation, the Mordese, from the 2022 vintage, made entirely from Cabernet Franc rather than folded into a Bordeaux-style blend.

Aromatic and layered, it moves quickly in the glass, with blood orange and pomegranate leading into exotic spice, a cooling note of menthol, and a dark thread of espresso underneath. What holds it together is freshness. For all the ripeness Tuscany lends, the wine stays vibrant and lifted rather than heavy.