2023 Barco Reale di Carmignano, Capezzana

• Style: Sangiovese-led Tuscan blend, modern and food-friendly
• Taste: Ripe cherry and plum, saline snap, integrated tannins, brisk freshness
• Food: Grilled meat, game, braised beef, roasted dinners, aged cheese
• Occasion: Weeknight supper, Sunday lunch, casual entertaining
• Serve: 16–18°C, decant 15 mins; drink now through 2027

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Deep ruby with the kind of tannin structure that invites a second glass rather than wrestling with it. Ripe red plum and cherry open on the nose, framed by restrained oak barrel-age. What follows is the reward of thoughtful winemaking: a modern red that balances freshness with ripeness, woven tannins rather than aggressive ones, and enough acidity to keep things lively through the length. At 13.5% ABV and bone-dry, this is built for the table, not the cellar.

The Winery — Capezzana

One of Italy's oldest estates, with roots stretching back to 804 AD, Capezzana sits in the Carmignano zone west of Florence. The fourth generation of the Contini Bonacossi family now stewards the property, with Benedetta overseeing winemaking under the guidance of consultant Franco Bernabei. The 2023 vintage faced challenges—heavy rain across Tuscany demanded careful disease management—but vines planted at 150–200 metres on south-facing clay schist and limestone soils delivered concentrated fruit and excellent health. Seven days of stainless-steel fermentation paired with a deliberately shortened skin-contact window let the fruit sing without overextraction, resulting in a wine that balances freshness with ripeness. Organic-certified and vegan.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Barco Reale's structure and brightness work beautifully across the grill and the roast. Pair with grilled lamb chops, braised beef, roasted game, stews, and aged Parmesan. The Sangiovese-anchored blend brings dark-cherry character and saline snap that cuts through rich dishes, while integrated tannins and acidity keep the wine lively rather than heavy. Serve at 16–18°C with a brief decant; drink now through 2027. Whether it's a weeknight supper or Sunday lunch, this is a natural touchstone for exploring broader Sangiovese selections and deepening your collection across Tuscany.