Avignonesi 50 & 50 Capannelle 2020

Born from a friendship between two iconic Tuscan estates, Avignonesi 50 & 50 Capannelle 2020 is a collaboration that has become a modern classic. This red wine marries 50% Sangiovese from Chianti Classico with 50% Merlot from Montepulciano, achieving a balance that feels both effortless and meticulously crafted. First created almost by accident during a festive dinner in 1988, it quickly proved so compelling that it has been upheld as a benchmark Super Tuscan blend ever since.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2020 vintage shows a deep, luminous ruby red with garnet highlights at the rim, hinting at both freshness and structure. The nose is immediately inviting and layered: ripe black cherries and plums from the Merlot intertwine with wild red berries, violets and dried herbs from the Sangiovese. Subtle notes of sweet spice, cedar, tobacco leaf and a touch of dark chocolate emerge with air, adding depth and complexity. On the palate, 50 & 50 is polished and refined, with a generous, velvety texture from the Merlot neatly framed by the Sangiovese’s vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins. Flavours of succulent cherry, blackberry and plum are lifted by savoury undertones of leather, licorice, Mediterranean herbs and a hint of minerality. The finish is long, harmonious and persistent, suggesting excellent aging potential. While already approachable in its youth, this 2020 vintage will continue to evolve beautifully over the next 10–15 years, gaining further complexity and tertiary nuances.

Production
50 & 50 brings together the distinct terroirs of Capannelle in Chianti Classico and Avignonesi in Montepulciano, both characterized by well-drained soils rich in limestone and clay, and by the classic Tuscan climate of warm days and cool nights that favors slow, even ripening. Grapes from the respective estates are carefully selected and hand-harvested at optimal maturity to preserve freshness and physiological ripeness. In the cellar, the Sangiovese and Merlot are vinified separately, allowing each variety to express its character before blending. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by extended maturation in quality oak barrels, where the wine gains structure, aromatic complexity and integration of tannins, before the final 50/50 blend is assembled and further refined in bottle.

Food & Serving
This elegant yet powerful Tuscan red is an excellent match for rich, savory dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised beef, lamb shank, or game meats like venison and wild boar. It also pairs beautifully with mature hard cheeses, truffle dishes, mushroom ragù and hearty pasta with meat or tomato-based sauces. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight both fruit and structure. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the aromas to fully open and the tannins to soften.

Producer
Avignonesi, based in Montepulciano, is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, renowned for its pioneering work with Sangiovese and its commitment to expressing terroir through organic and biodynamic viticulture. Capannelle, located in the heart of Chianti Classico, has long been acclaimed for its refined, age-worthy reds that showcase the elegance of Sangiovese. The 50 & 50 project, first created in 1988 when the then-owners of the two wineries experimented with blending their wines during a celebratory dinner, has since become a symbol of collaboration and innovation in Tuscany. Today it stands as one of the region’s most distinctive and sought-after joint ventures, illustrating how two great terroirs and philosophies can merge into a single, harmonious wine.

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