TENUTA DI ARCENO | Il Fauno di Arcanum | Toscana | 2019
merlot | cabernet franc | cabernet sauvignon | petit verdot

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Tenuta di Arceno is a very old estate from Tuscany with a diverse portfolio of high quality wines across two classification levels: Sangiovese-based wines under Chianti Classico DOCG and Super Tuscan wines under Toscana IGT designation. Toscana region has long boasted an impressive reputation in the world of great wines, earning its prestige as one of the most impressive and creative production areas in the world of wine as a result of a number of forward-thinking producers that experimented with international grape varieties like merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. Tenuta di Arceno is starting to focus more on monovarietal wines. Starting with the 2007 vintage, the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Strada al Sasso is 100% sangiovese, the Arcanum is 100% cabernet franc since the 2016 vintage and the Valadorna is 100% merlot beginning with the 2018 vintage. The aim is to find new ways of expressing the unique terroir of the Arceno estate.

Today we are are going to review a genuine Super Tuscan wine blend from the famous Toscana wine region in the northern Italy – Il Fauno di Arcanum | Toscana 2019 by Tenuta di Arceno. Tenuta di Arceno is situated at the southernmost-edge of Chianti Classico sub-region, in the butterfly-shaped commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, closest in proximity to Siena and rightfully referred to as ‘the most Senese Chianti Classico’. This wine is the epitome of modern Super Tuscan wines – a blend of all four international grape varieties that are used in the supertuscan wines: merlot (43%), cabernet franc (32%), cabernet sauvignon (20%) and petit verdot (5%), where merlot forms the wine’s main body, cabernet franc builds a more refined mid-palate, cabernet sauvignon adds more structure, while petit verdot brings subtle floral notes and offers a more dynamic finish. The grapes have been sourced from the Arceno di Sotto, La Curva, Colombaio and San Giovanni vineyards, planted on southwest exposed slopes, on clay-rich soils with good water retention. In order to soften the tannins and add extra complexity to the final blend, the wine has been aged for 10 to 12 months in french oak barrels. 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: deep | ruby color
clarity: hazy | indigo shades

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced | savory-earthy
fruit character: ripe | overripe

On the first nose, the wine displays a ripe and overripe fruit character, unveiling a symphony of black plum, blackberry and dark cherry. These vibrant fruit notes harmonize with the delicate notes of barnyard, capocolo and iron, creating a captivating foreground. Subtle nuances of veal, black olive and old leather further enhance the wine’s impressive flavor profile. As the journey unfolds, the background reveals intriguing depths with hints of tobacco, toasted oakwood and cherry tree sap. A touch of charcoal, pencil lead and black soil dust offers a hint of the wine’s terroir.

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

On the palate, this firm and full-bodied wine presents itself with a delightful interplay of flavors. The first sip reveals a burst of ripe and overripe black fruits, perfectly complemented by a touch of well-integrated oak and earthy undertones. The crisp acidity is coating the palate with a layer of freshness, while the grippy tannins add structure and depth. As the wine lingers longer on the mouthfeel, a subtle alcoholic warmth emerges, thus enhancing the overall complexity of the palate. The lasting finish leaves a seedy aftertaste that is both satisfying and appealing. This wine exemplifies the artistry of winemaking, offering a harmonious blend of fruit, earth and oak, making it a true delight for discerning connoisseurs.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | age for at least 2 or 3 more ears
verdict: great | a must try wine

Overall, this is a fine, terroir-driven wine that exhibits a complex and rich character, with a slightly angular and rough edge that adds intrigue to its flavour profile. The palate reveals a lush and voluptuous mouthfeel, where overripe and dried black fruits take center stage, accompanied by well-integrated oak and nuanced, savory-earthy notes. While in its current state, the wine lacks a touch of harmony and finesse on the palate, it still possesses a remarkable potential for further bottle aging, that will elevate its elegance and will round up its rough edges. For those seeking a wine that embodies the authentic essence of its origin, crafted as a modern Bordeaux-styled blend, this Super Tuscan wine is a fine choice, as it has quite a remarkable personality.

//Scoring
TENUTA DI ARCENO | Il Fauno di Arcanum | Toscana | 2019
variety: merlot | cabernet franc | cabernet sauvignon | petit verdot
country: Italy
region: Toscana
rating: 93.6

//Prediction
predicted rating: 90+
actual rating: 93

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This is definitely a great wine of Italy and, with a total of 93.6 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: Based on the wine’s complex and rich flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a grilled venison loin with juniper berries and wild mushrooms. The wine’s firm structure, along with its ripe and dried black fruit flavors, will harmonize beautifully with the gamey and earthy elements of the dish. The subtle oak and earthy undertones in the wine will complement the earthy flavors of the wild mushrooms, while the seedy aftertaste and crisp acidity will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and tender venison. This pairing will create a culinary experience that celebrates the wine’s terroir-driven character and elevates the dining experience to new levels of hedonistic complexity. Enjoy!

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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.