# Argentiera (2020)

- **Producer:** Tenuta Argentiera
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €79
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, red cherry, raspberry, red plum, black cherry, black plum, cloves, chocolate, vanilla, cedar, coffee, leather, forest floor, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

Argentiera is a red wine from Tenuta Argentiera, produced in the Bolgheri Superiore DOC region of Tuscany, Italy. The 2020 vintage is a blend primarily of Merlot (48%), Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), and Cabernet Franc (7%). The estate's vineyards are situated at the highest elevation within Bolgheri while maintaining close proximity to the sea, a unique combination that influences the wine's character. The soils are a mix of sandy, rocky, and marine flysch. Tenuta Argentiera was founded by the Fratini family, with a philosophy focused on expressing the unique 'spirit of the place' through a blend of tradition and modern winemaking.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards are the highest in Bolgheri, yet closest to the sea.
- Estate name 'Argentiera' means 'silversmith'.
- Wine is aged for 14-18 months in French oak, 50% new.
- Bolgheri Superiore DOC is known for its Bordeaux-style blends.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and ripe tannins are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes like grilled red meats and game, where the tannins can interact with the protein to soften the wine and cleanse the palate. The wine's complexity can also stand up to robust sauces and earthy flavors found in game and aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Argentiera begins with fermentation in stainless steel tanks at temperatures between 28-30°C for 25-30 days, facilitating extraction. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 14-18 months in French oak barrels, with 50% new oak. This is complemented by an additional 12 months of aging in the bottle before release. The harvest for the 2020 vintage commenced in early to mid-September, following a dry summer punctuated by late August thunderstorms.