The weekend of 11th/12th March was spent in Lucca, Tuscany, as a guest of Anteprima Vini Costa Toscana 2023.
Some 70 wineries attended this event to present their latest releases within the historic grounds and imposing building known as Real Collegio, formerly an old monastery, then a school with 500 years of history on its shoulders.
The birth of the Associazione Grandi Cru della Costa Toscana occurred in 2003 when a dozen Tuscan wine producers with a collective viewpoint decided to promote with one voice, the diverse coastal wines of Massa, Lucca, Pisa, Livorno and Grosseto.
The one common denominator is the Tyrrhenian Sea, with its cool, salt laden wind, which brings a unique Mirco climate that has shaped and help define the character of the wines produced under its influence.
Today, the association has grown and now boasts some 70 members. One of the founder members was Tenuta San Guido noted producer Sassicaia, Italy’s first ‘Super Tuscan’.
The President of the association is Duccio Corsini, the highly respected winemaker and owner of Villa Le Corti in Chianti Classico and Tenuta Marsiliana estate, in Manciano, in the province of Grosseto.
I can think of no other single ‘Consorzio’ that has such a varied diversification of wines as the Associazione Grandi Vini della Costa Toscana. International grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Nero, Semillon and Grenache are grown here, in conjunction with Sangiovese, Vermentino, Alicante, Ciliegiolo, Ansonico, Colorino, Canaiolo, Trebbiano, Malvasia, Grechetto, Fiano, Pugnitello and Durella.
The result of this collection of grapes gives rise to an astonishing variety of wine styles, united by the special climate conditions resulting from the proximity of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The journey of wineries listed in the Association will take us from North to South of Tuscany. Among these we will notice some famous names, and easily recognised wine labels, but it’s the unfamiliar that the intrepid wine hunter will find gems that are to become firm favourites of the future.
To give some indication of the gems awaiting your attention...
Villa Santo Stefano
Loto 2019
Toscana Rosso IGT A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Deep ruby red in colour. Dark cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, white smoke, orange peel, light balsam. Cool entry. Lightly textured. Layered minerality. Crunchy tannins weave in and out of fresh tangy acidity, both will become less tense given bottle time. Pleasant progression with a long articulated close.
Points 95 TW
Podere Fedespina
Fedespina 2019
Toscana Rosso IGT Pinot Nero 100%
Pale ruby red in colour. Aromatics of dark blue florals and blackberry jam. Red and black berry, salty liquorice, worn leather, balsam, complex minerality with warm spice nuances. Cool silky entry. Medium bodied. Fresh. Juicy. Rounded tannins vie with zingy acidity. Still in its youth. Tapers slightly after mid palate to a long expressive finish. Needs bottle time.
Points 92-94 TW
Poggio Levante
Unné 2019
Maremma Toscana Bianco DOC Vermentino 100%
Pale straw yellow with greenish highlights. Subtle aromas of buttercup and gardenia florals. Clean, crisp entry showing Asian fruits of Lychee, dragon fruit and rambutan. Dry nutshell nuances. Energy is lifted by layered minerality and citrusy notes on the back end. Good length on a linear finish.
Points 91 TW
Podere Sapaio
Volpolo 2021
Bolgheri Rosso DOC A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot
Deep ruby red in colour with black undertones. Aromatics of violet florals and crushed blackberry fruit. Dark cherry, blueberry, boysenberry, dark Eastern baking spice, bitter. orange peel, faint nuances of balsam and humus. Rich warm entry. Savoury. Rich textural depth. Showing youthful tannins and acidity. Broad long juicy close.
Points 93 TW
Petra
Hebo 2021
Toscana Rosso IGT A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese.
Intense ruby red in colour. Aromatics of dark purple and blue florals; violet and hyacinth. Black cherry, blueberry, dewberry, crushed rock minerality, spice notes and menthol infused herbal notes. Upon entry expands in all directions showing core black fruit surrounded by structured tannins and fresh acidity. Agile. Linear. Terrific persistence. Medium length finish.
Points 92 TW
Podere La Regola
Regola 2019
Costa Toscana Rosso IGT Cabernet Franc 100%
Intense ruby red in colour. Aromas of rose petal and crushed red berry. Dark cherry, loganberry, pomegranate, plum, salty liquorice, vanilla, faint cedar nuances. Warm, graceful and agile upon entry. Balance between tannins and acidity. Compelling on the mid palate. Distinctive personality. A beauty.
Points 95 TW
Poggio Al Gello
Bianco Vermentino 2021
Toscana Bianco IGT
Straw yellow in colour with greenish undertones. Intense bouquet of orchid fruit and fresh cut spring flowers. Yellow apple, quince, gooseberry, cedar shavings. Medium to full bodied. Fresh, clean and very persistent.
Points 89 TW
Monastero dei Frati Bianchi
Deir 2018
Toscana Rosso IGT Syrah, Merlot
Deep ruby red in colour. Black rose petal and cassis aromatics. Blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, plum, liquorice, blood orange, dark spice and dried Mediterranean herbs. Rich, muscular and agile.Tons of energy that carries the structure through mid palate to a broad, juicy long close.
Points 93 TW
Marchesi Ginori Lisci
Podernovo 2017
Costa Toscana IGT Syrah
Medium ruby red in colour. Violet, bluebell and lavender aromatics. Wild cherry, boysenberry, dark plum, blonde tobacco, spice and slight nuances of bitter chocolate.
Warm rich entry. Complex deep textural feel. Vibrant. Exotic and spicy character. Broad long intense finish.
Points 92 TW
Moris Farms
Avvoltore. 2018
Toscana Rosso IGT Sangiovese 75% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Syrah 5%
Medium ruby red in colour. Old English red rose petal and Freesia. Red cherry, dewberry, vanilla/ oak notes, dark spice. Secondary nuances of wild black berry fruit, salty liquorice, menthol herbal notes, Rich, exceptionally juicy and supple. Has gained weight since I last tasted it. Savoury. Articulated long close.
Points 93 TW
Le Vigne del Grillo
Gabberi 2021
Toscana Bianco IGT Vermentino
So young and shy. Not giving much away, hints of green apple, saline energy, white florals, fine tannins vie with fresh minerality.
Points 86-88 TW
I Giusti & Zanza
Perbruno 2020
Costa Toscana Rosso IGT Syrah 100%
Intense ruby red in colour with dark undertones. Florals of rose petal and violet. The florals will slowly disappear as the spicy nature of the wine takes over as it ages. Dark berry fruits, orange peel, Mediterranean scrub, notes of tobacco.Youthful crunchy tannins and zesty acidity still need to play out. Flamboyant in style. Plump and juicy. Lingers on the close.
Points 92-94 TW
Collemassari
Melacce 2022
Montecucco DOC Vermentino
Straw yellow in colour. Yellow and white florals. White peach, mangosteen pine berry. Freshness comes from distinctive minerality. Tannins are youthfully tense and vie with zingy acidity. On the close a slight citrusy character comes into play.
Points 90 TW
Bertazzoli
Monó 2021
Costa Toscana Bianco IGT Vermentino
Pale straw yellow in colour. Aromatics of yellow florals and tropical fruits. Medium bodied. Flirtatious and exotic. Translucent. Good showing.
Points 90 TW
Valle del Sole
Occhi di Fata 2022
Toscana Rosato IGT Sangiovese
Pale pink with copper tones. White floral aromas. Wild cherry, white raspberry, mulberry, saline infused energy. Poised and slightly elegant. Supple red fruit palate. Medium length close.
Points 89 TW
Usiglian Del Vescovo
Il Ginestraio 2022
Toscana Bianco IGT Chardonnay, Viognier.
Medium golden yellow in colour with greenish tints. Aromas of acacia and buttercup.
White peach, white mulberry, raspberry. Medium bodied. Contains freshness and energy. Oyster shell undertone of minerality. Bright. Good showing in its youth.
Points 90-92 TW
Tenuta Mareli
Remagno 2019
Toscana Rosso IGT Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot
Medium ruby red in colour. Aromas of violet and gardenia. Blackberry, damson, dark plum and wild cherry. Muscular yet agile. Fine tannins have done their work and almost disappeared, leaving fresh acidity to lift the palate aided by complex yet reserved minerality. Balanced and poised. Super attractive wine.
Points 94 TW
Tenuta Il Quinto
Quinto 2019
Toscana Rosso IGT Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
Intense ruby red in colour. Dark florals vie with black berry fruits, dark plum, currant, dried Mediterranean herbs and notes of balsam. Very elegant body. Savoury and earthy. Sumptuous. Considerable appeal. Long broad juicy finish. Wow!
Points 95 TW
Tenuta Adamo
Toscana Bianco IGT 2021
A blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia Bianca, Vermentino and other native white grapes.
Pale straw in colour. White fruits, yellow and white florals. Saline energy. Notes of dried Mediterranean herbs and menthol infused underbrush. Tapers after min palate to a long, persistent close.
Points 89 TW
Tenute Lunelli Podernovo
Auritea 2017
Costa Toscana Rosso IGT Cabernet Franc
Deep ruby red in colour with bright highlights. Blackberry, blackcurrant, dark plum, Grilled Mediterranean herbs, Mocha, sightings of liquorice, balsam and dark spice.
Warm entry showing poise and polish.Medium to full bodied. Balanced. Savoury and earthy. Fine light textural depth. A wine of impact.
Points 96 TW
Pieve Santo Stefano
Ludovico Sardini 2018
Colline Lucchesi Rosso DOC Sangiovese, Colorino, Syrah
Intense ruby red in colour. Florals of hyacinth and violet. Bing cherry, liquorice, leather and balsamic notes. Intense display of Sangiovese. Very serious. Tons of gravitas.
Not a shy personality. Forward tannins. Medium length.
Points 88 TW
Suveraia
Bacucco di Suveraia 2018
Costa Toscana Rosso DOC Sangiovese 80% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Merlot 10%
Medium ruby red in colour. Dark cherry, plum, loganberry, liquorice, cedar shavings and aromas of toasted coffee been. Structured and serious. Tannins still showing crunchy youthfulness, clean acidity assists freshness. Has energy but is still tense. Good long finish
Points 90 TW
Tenuta Prima Pietra
Prima Pietra 2019
Toscana Rosso IGT Merlot 50% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Cabernet Franc 10% Petit Verdot 10%
Intense and bright ruby red in colour. Blackberry, blueberry, plum, salty liquorice, sandalwood notes, white smoke and worn leather. Spreads across your mid palate showing class and opulence, textural depth and tremendous resonance. Hits all the right notes in my book.
Points 95 TW
Marina Romin
Aura 2021
Costa Toscana Bianco IGT Vermentino
Clear straw yellow in colour.Yellow florals vie with Neroli on the nose. Grapefruit, green apple, sea pebble minerality. Lemon and citrus flavours abound. Lightly textured. Refreshing mouthfeel. Saline infused energy on the back end. Well put together.
Points 90 TW
Tenuta di Valgiano
Tenuta di Valgiano 2017
Colline Lucchesi Rosso DOC Sangiovese 60% Merlot 20% Syrah20%
Bright and deep ruby red in colour. Aromatics of violet, hyacinth and cassis. Blackberry, Bing cherry, dewberry, dried Mediterranean herbs, cedar notes and balsam. Mineral complexity is historic. Textural depth of the Mariana Trench. Primary flavours are epic. Rich. Full bodied. Secondary nuances of blonde tobacco and a smidgin of menthol notes. Showing energy and tension. Needs bottle age. Outstanding!
Points 96 TW
Capua
Miosogno 2016
Toscana Rosso IGT Alicante
Deep ruby red in colour .Dark blue and purple florals. Red and black wild berries, pipe tobacco, dark spice, blackcurrant, wild cherry, loganberry, floral underbrush, slate and a puff of ash smoke. Rich. Juicy. Full bodied. Caressing tannins vie with fresh acidity. Articulated long finish.
Points 92 TW
Le Palaie
V. 2021
Toscana Bianco IGT Viognier 100%
Pale straw yellow with bright highlights in colour. Aromatics typical of Viognier: Narcissus, lemon blossom and acacia. Apricot, gooseberry, white peach. Citrus zest, crushed sage and curry leaf. Warm and inviting entry, saline notes, tapers slightly to a persistent linear close.
Points 90 TW
Villa Le Corti
Principe Corsini Spumante Rosé
Sparkling Rosato, Sangiovese
Bright salmon pink in colour. Pale rose petal and fresh cut spring flowers. White peach, strawberry with green top, bread crust. Freshness comes from tannin structure. Fruity and floral character. Light in texture. Delivers a fine perlage with distinctive minerality.
Points 91 TW
Marsiliana
Vermentino 2022
Toscana Bianco IGT
Pale straw yellow in colour. White floral aromas and cut green stem. Clean and crisp. Medium bodied. Seashell minerality. Saline infused acidity lifts the palate leaving a fresh mouthfeel. Linear medium length finish.
Points 90 TW
The wines listed below, were sampled accompanying dinner at L’Imbuto restaurant in Lucca. Owner Cristiano Tomei is without doubt one of the most inventive and gifted chefs in Italy...
…and my new best friend!
La Regola
Lauro 2019
Costa Toscana Bianco IGT
Poggio l’Apparita
San Michele n.3 2022
Maremma Toscana Rosato DOC
Fattoria Colle Verde
Terre di Matraja 2021
Costa Toscana Rosso IGT
Tenuta Di Valgiano
Palistorti di Valgiano 2021
Colline Lucchesi Rosso DOC
Capua di Riccardo Capua
Mio Sogno 2016
Alicante Maremma Toscana Rosso IGT
Fattoria La Torre
Esse 2017
Toscana Rosso IGT
Fattoria Varramista
Varramista 2016
Toscana Rosso IGT
Podere La Regola
La Regola 2018
Toscana Rosso IGT
Tenuta Di Valgiano
Tenuta di Valgiano 2013
Colline Lucchesi Rosso DOCG
My sincere thanks to the President of the Associazione Grandi Cru Della Costa Toscana and to the board members and Director for their invitation to this special event and for the hospitality.
© Tony Wood Italian Wine 2023