Avignonesi Grifi Toscana 2018

Backed by a very rich and very environmentally conscious investor, Avignonesi has been transformed from a centuries-old classic Tuscan winery into a re-invented, industry-leading, sustainable and biodynamic winery with organic wines and very minimal intervention taking place in an immaculate, state-of-the-art winemaking facility.

All in all, it’s one of the more impressive Italian estates. About 450 acres of vineyards fully certified organic and biodynamic. All wines are vegan and are made exclusively with grapes cultivated on the estate. A chef runs their own culinary program on-site, food and wine pairings, wine classes, the whole works. I mean they’re really dialed in. Melissa, if you’re reading this: I found our next move when the kids graduate.

Their SuperTuscan, Grifi (Griffin), is a particular highlight in an impressive portfolio. It’s a large reason, Antonio Galloni called Avignonesi, “one of the most respected names in Tuscany”. The ½ Cabernet, ½ Sangiovese blend is a big boy, especially in the hot and dry 2017 vintage, but it also is very tightly structured with silky Sangiovese tannins and a great acidic backbone from the Cabernet that give it lift and elegance as well as ageability.