POGGIO DEL CONCONE | Toscana | Rosso | 2018
merlot | cabernet sauvignon | sangiovese

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“I hated wine at first! My hatred was definitely linked to childhood memories of running down to the cellar to fetch wine from the barrel. I absolutely loathed batting away cobwebs as I ventured into the darkness, only to be hit by the strong, vinegary smell of old wine. I always breathed a sigh of relief when I made it safely back to the light, all while making sure not to smash the bottle I was carrying.” – Alessandro Mutinelli.

Today we are are going to review Super Tuscan wine blend from the famous Toscana wine region of Italy – Toscana Rosso 2018 by Poggio del Concone. This wine is a exquisite blend of three grape varieties: merlot, cabernet sauvignon and sangiovese, where merlot forms the wine’s main body and is all about up-front richness, cabernet sauvignon adds more structure and tannin extract, while sangiovese builds a more refined mid-palate and offers a leaner and a more dynamic finish. The grapes were sourced from estate’s vineyards planted at 150-300-meters altitude above sea level, with each variety vinified individually in order to preserve their individual characteristics, while in order to add extra complexity to the final blend, part of the wine (30%) has been aged for 3 months in new oak barrels. Even though the grapes are sourced from Toscana region, the maturation took place in Barolo region, which is home to a centuries-old winemaking tradition. But enough with all that theory, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: medium | garnet color
clarity: hazy | garnet shades

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & savory
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, the wine showcases ripe red fruits and savory notes in the foreground, with aromas of redcurrant, cranberry, sour cherry, and subtle notes of pecorino cheese and brown olive, alongside some dried cranberry and dried sour cherry notes in the background. The second layer reveals earthy-herbal background notes of marl, loam and wormwood, as well as oak and spice, with hints of red pepper, sun-dried oakwood and cherry tree wood. The wine’s aromatic depth is completed with subtle notes of cloves, anise, and fresh oakwood, while also exhibiting some appealing salt and brine flavors, that are mostly characteristic to wines with a terroir-driven character. The old leather notes add further depth and character to the wine’s impressive flavour profile.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: medium+ | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp & seedy

On the palate, this wine offers crisp acidity and grippy tannins, thus creating a plump and ample, yet well-structured and nicely balanced mouthfeel. The underripe and ripe red fruits flavour in the foreground and the savory-earthy background, alongside that subtle, spicy middle layer, form a complex taste profile that is further enriched by a touch of alcoholic warmth. The finish is firm and rich, leading to a crisp and seedy aftertaste that lingers on the palate, showcasing the wine’s impressive depth and balance.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 3 or 4 years
verdict: great | a must try wine

Overall, this is a fine wine blend, that showcases the subtle delicacy that only Super Tuscan wines can deliver. However, on the palate, this wine lacks a bit of elegance and finesse, which one would expect from such a carefully crafted blend. Nevertheless, the wine still offers a pleasant drinking experience that will definitely appeal to the taste of those who prefer delicacy over the power.

//Scoring
POGGIO DEL CONCONE | Toscana | Rosso | 2018
variety: merlot | cabernet sauvignon | sangiovese
country: Italy
region: Toscana
rating: 93.4
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This is definitely a great wine of Italy and, with a total of 93.4 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Judging by the wine’s ample palate, plump structure and subtle spicy middle layer, we believe it would pair nicely with roasted beef tenderloin with thyme and wormwood, as the firm and grippy tannins in the wines would hold up to the bold flavor of the beef, while the underripe and ripe red fruits flavour and the savory earthy background would complement the thyme and wormwood seasoning of the dish. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.