Il Carnasciale 2020

Il Carnasciale 2020 is a rare and characterful Tuscan red from one of Italy’s most intriguing micro‑estates. Produced in minuscule quantities from just 2.5 hectares of vines, it showcases the elusive Caberlot grape, a natural crossing of Cabernet Franc and Merlot that is grown almost exclusively at Il Carnasciale. The cooler, rain-affected end of the 2020 growing season has given this vintage a poised, elegant profile, combining depth of fruit with refined, supple tannins.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Il Carnasciale 2020 shows a deep, vibrant ruby hue with hints of garnet at the rim, testifying to its concentration and careful élevage. The nose opens with ripe black cherry, wild blackberry and plum, wrapped in notes of dried herbs, graphite and tobacco leaf, with subtle layers of violet, cedar and sweet baking spice emerging as it breathes. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet graceful, with a silky, polished texture and particularly soft, fine-grained tannins for such a structured Tuscan red. Flavours of dark berries, redcurrant and black cherry are intertwined with savoury tones of pepper, forest floor and warm spice, leading into a long, sapid finish marked by freshness and minerality. The additional year in bottle has smoothed the edges and made the wine notably accessible now, but the balance of fruit, acidity and tannin suggests solid aging potential of 10–15 years from the vintage, gaining in complexity and tertiary nuances over time.

Production
Il Carnasciale’s vines lie on steep hillsides in the Valdarno area of eastern Tuscany, at elevations of roughly 250–350 metres above sea level. Here, rocky, well-drained soils and significant diurnal temperature shifts help preserve aromatic intensity and freshness in the Caberlot grape. The grapes are harvested by hand in small crates, with strict sorting in the vineyard and again in the cellar to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy fruit makes it into the wine. Fermentation typically takes place in small stainless-steel tanks or cement, with gentle extraction to respect the natural finesse of Caberlot, followed by maturation in French oak barriques (a mix of new and used) to add polish and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The wine is bottle-aged before release, allowing the components to harmonise and the texture to become supple and seamless.

Food & Serving
Il Carnasciale 2020 is a versatile partner for refined yet flavourful dishes: think roast lamb with herbs, bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised beef, game birds, or rich pasta dishes with ragù. It also pairs beautifully with aged Tuscan pecorino, truffled dishes and earthy mushroom preparations. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic detail and textural elegance. Decanting for 60–90 minutes before serving is recommended in its youth to allow the bouquet to unfurl fully and the tannins to soften even further.

Producer
Il Carnasciale is a tiny, cult winery in Tuscany, founded by Wolf and Bettina Rogosky, who were captivated by the potential of an obscure grape discovered in the 1960s: Caberlot, a natural crossing of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Their first vintage was released in the late 1980s, and over the decades Il Carnasciale has become one of Italy’s most sought‑after boutique estates, known for its microscopic production and rigorous quality standards. Today, under the guidance of the Rogosky family and a close-knit team, Il Carnasciale continues to champion Caberlot as an exclusive expression of its hillside terroir, earning consistent praise from international critics and collectors who value the wine’s unique identity, precision and aging capacity.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.