Tenuta di Arceno Valadorna 2012

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15-20 years. It is recommended to decant it for at least an hour. Tenuta di Arceno is located in the heart of the Chianti hills, in central Tuscany, near the village of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Protected from the cold of the north, most of the estate's vineyards face southeast. Positioned in this way, the vines benefit from exposure to the sun throughout the day, which is particularly favorable to the ripening of the grapes. The Valadorna wine from Tenuta di Arceno is a predominantly Merlot blend coming mainly from the Valadorna and Capraia vineyards, the most suitable ones on the estate for this grape. Both vineyards are located in the coolest part of the property and are characterized by brown sand soil that transmit in an exemplary way the complexity and mineral richness of the terroir. Yields are moderate. This wine shows a soft, savory, and slightly spicy character. The nose reveals bright aromas of ripe black cherries, vanilla beans, and cedar. The lively acidity dominates on the palate but is well balanced by the soft tannins. The palate displays flavors of tart cherry tart, dried red berries, and black licorice, with a long finish of white pepper, and good minerality. Have it with duck or game.

Price: £59.22 from 8wines UK