We’re thrilled to receive the latest releases of one of Tuscany’s rarest wines, Il Caberlot from Podere Il Carnasciale.
The romance of Il Caberlot started in the 1960s when Remigo Bordini discovered a unique clone growing in Veneto. The clone was a mysterious genetic mutation of Cabernet Franc which had characteristics of Merlot grapes. Remigo joined forces with Bettina and Wolf Rogosky to start planting this unique grape in 1986, in a vineyard of less than one acre. The Rogoskys were so excited about their newfound variety that they decided to plant a bottle of Sassicaia under the first Caberlot vine as a sign of positive energy.
True to Wolf Rogosky’s vision, the secluded hilltop estate of Podere Il Carnasciale, in the mountains of southern Chianti’s Valdarno region, turned out to be an ideal place to plant the charismatic Caberlot. Though Wolf passed away in 1996, the estate continued to be run by Bettina and her son Moritz Rogosky (and now, Moritz’s daughter Carla-Elle), in collaboration with the enologist and winemaker Peter Schilling and his assistant Marco Maffei. This proud team works exceptionally hard at producing world class wines, refusing to compromise on quality at any point from ground to glass. They share one goal when making their wines: quality above all.
We are offering a limited release of Il Caberlot 2018 (100 points, Vinous), along with with siblings Carnasciale 2019, and Ottantadue 2019.
Il Caberlot Trentesimo 2018
One of the rarest wines in Tuscany, the secluded hilltop estate of Podere Il Carnasciale, in the mountains of southern Chianti’s Valdarno region, is the only vineyard in the world to cultivate Caberlot. Trentesimo reflects that 2018 marks the 30th vintage of this singular wine, and though the X on the label may look the same each year, it’s a different colour, and brushstroke, every vintage. This aged in French fûts and barriques, 50-60% new, for 22 months, and was racked only once prior to bottling unfiltered. The wine is bottled in magnums only (2000 annually), resting an additional 18 months prior to release. Dark and fleshy, with wild blackberry, black cherry, dark florals, anise, wild herbs, and sapid thorns stretched long across a structural palate. Tannins are ample and firmly grippy / gritty still, starting to yield, but signalling a long life ahead. Drinking beautifully now, but with another decade easy. I tasted from the 750ml, but know the magnum is the ideal showcase for this wine.
“The 2018 Il Caberlot is a stunning wine. It’s not the most immediate nor explosive Caberlot, but it is such a tremendous example of this wine. The bouquet alone is mesmerizing. Crushed herbs, rose petal, mint, blood orange, incense and sweet pipe tobacco all build in the glass. Imagine Coeval Blanc, but with a good dose of Tuscan sun. Reds who can find the 2018 should not hesitate, as it is magical. I imagine it will be even better in the commercial magnums than this 750mL tasting sample. Drink 2028-2048.” 100 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2022.
Appellation : IGT Toscana
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Grape(s) : Caberlot
Price : $499 for 1500mL (1 / case)
Carnasciale 2019
Carnasciale is the second label of Il Carnasciale’s iconic Caberlot, ready for drinking earlier and made with young vines, but with all the layers, and care, given to its big brother. After a native stainless start to the ferment of this Caberlot, MLF is finished in French fûts (60% new) where it remains for 22 months, with one racking, before bottling and 6 months’ rest prior to release. Ample dark florals and lashes of cracked pepper meet wild blackberry and cherry on the fleshy, savoury, and supple palate. Ample tannins are very well integrated, and acidity is bright and buzzy. Structural yet very drinkable now, this is a wine to seek out.
“The 2019 Carnasciale is quite delicate and gracious in this vintage. That makes it a fine choice for drinking now. Sweet floral accents meld into red cherry/plum fruit, mint, pomegranate, and sweet spice. The 2019 is bright and energetic, with perhaps less opulence than some recent editions, but fine overall balance.” 91 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous.
Appellation : IGT Toscana
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Grape(s) : Caberlot
Price : $267 for 1500mL (1 / case) or $106 for 750ml (6 / case)
Ottantadue 2019
From the secluded hilltop estate of Podere Il Carnasciale, in the mountains of south eastern Chianti’s Valdarno region, this organically farmed Sangiovese is rooted in clay limestone soils. After a native ferment in stainless and concrete, this rested 14 months in stainless, and a few months in bottle prior to release. After a youthful puff of reduction blows off, this savoury red moves into black cherry, wild raspberry, crushed stones, with cracked pepper, mustard seed, and scrubby herbs. Ample grippy tannins take this through the lingering finish.
“The 2019 Ottantadue, 100% Sangiovese, is bright, effusive, and full of personality. It offers up a beguiling mix of sweet red berry fruit, pipe tobacco, incense, mint, and dried flowers. Medium in body, yet wonderfully deep, the Ottantadue shows how wonderfully compelling Sangiovese can be, in Val d’Arno di Sopra.” 94 points, Antonio Galloni
Appellation : DOC Vald’Arno di Sopra Rosso
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Grape(s) : Sangiovese
Price : $47 (6 / case)
Most of our producers are small, independently owned and operated businesses, like ours. You can view our complete portfolio here. Thank you for letting us share these producers and wines with you.
Cheers,
Le Sommelier
416.603.7026
bernard@lesommelier.com
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