Cafaggio Basilica del Cortaccio Cabernet Toscano IGT 2018

Villa Cafaggio has about 30 hectares under vine, all situated with hamlet of Greve, nestled in the ‘Conca d’Oro’ (Golden basin), an area recognised as the finest zone for producing Chianti Classico.

Robert Parker, Jr. called Cafaggio “An excellent estate – a Tuscan winery that has turned out a bevy of attractive wines.” But while the Chiantis are great, one wine stood out above the rest during my recent tasting.

Basilica del Cortaccio is an organic single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that they refer to as a cru. Everything is handled as gently as possible here to bring out as much fresh fruit as humanly possible. The vineyard is hand harvested, pressing is manual, and barrels are all second year imparting a kiss of oak but not overpowering.