From: Tuscany, Italy
Blend: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Taste: The wine has a beautiful ruby red color, with aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, sweet spices, and earth. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with a smooth, fruity taste that is balanced by a long, dry finish. The flavors are reminiscent of undergrowth, with an underlying hint of mentriendhol that adds complexity to the wine. The tannins are well-integrated and provide a velvety texture, while the acidity is fresh and lively, making this wine a true pleasure to drink and share.
Critical Acclaim
JS 93 James Suckling
A tight, focused red with currant and cherry character and hints of chocolate and sandalwood. Medium to full body, creamy and refined tannins that are long and flavorful. Very well done. From organic grapes. Drink or hold.
Pairing: Its medium-bodied, friendly fruit and smooth taste makes it an excellent match for Italian cuisine, such as pasta dishes, pizza, and lasagna. The bright acidity of the Sangiovese in the wine makes it an ideal pairing for tomato-based sauces (check out the eggplant and tomato dish below!), while the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot add richness and depth that complement the flavors of meat and cheese. For a classic pairing, try the 2019 Avignonesi Toscana Cantaloro Red with a traditional Tuscan dish, such as Pappardelle al Ragu, a pasta dish made with slow-cooked meat sauce. The wine's bright acidity and smooth texture will balance the richness of the sauce, while its tannins will complement the meaty flavors. Another great pairing option is a Margherita pizza, where the wine's ripe cherry and blackberry notes will pair perfectly with the tomato sauce, while the tannins will balance the cheese and crust.
Eggplant Stuffed With Rice and Tomatoes
By Martha Rose Shulman
About. Avignonesi, a noble family estate in Montepulciano, has undergone a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Belgian entrepreneur Virginie Saverys. In just a decade, Avignonesi has become the largest regenerative wine estate in Italy, committed to sustainable and organic viticulture and winemaking practices that respect workers, consumers, and the environment.
The Avignonesi Toscana Cantaloro Rosso 2019, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, is a prime example of the estate's philosophy of producing refreshing, fruit-driven wines that are a pleasure to drink. This young red wine has a bright ruby color and a bouquet characterized by inviting aromas of ripe cherries, blueberries, and sweet spices. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, fruity, and smooth with a long lingering, dry finish, reminiscent of undergrowth, with an underlying hint of menthol.
James Suckling, one of the most influential wine critics in the world, has awarded the Avignonesi Toscana Cantaloro Rosso 2019 a score of 93 points, praising its tight, focused character, currant and cherry notes, hints of chocolate and sandalwood, and long and flavorful tannins that are creamy and refined. Suckling also highlights that the wine is made from organic grapes and can be enjoyed now or cellared for further aging.
The Cantaloro series is the entry-level range of Avignonesi's wines, available in white, rosé, and red. Despite its accessible price point, the Cantaloro Rosso is a versatile wine that can pair well with a variety of dishes, from pasta with tomato sauce and grilled meats to pizza and hard cheeses.
Beyond its quality and taste, the Avignonesi Toscana Cantaloro Rosso 2019 embodies the estate's commitment to a regenerative and authentic approach to winemaking. Avignonesi owns about 434 acres of fully certified organic and biodynamic vineyards, and all of its wines are vegan and made exclusively with grapes cultivated on the estate. The cellar has also banned the use of yeasts, dyes, enzymes, tannins, and other industrial biochemical adjuvants, giving nature back her rights and fostering the authenticity of its products.
