# Gigino 80 Anniversario (2016)

- **Producer:** Barbanera
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Merlot, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, blackberry, black pepper, liquorice, vanilla, cloves, forest floor, leather

## About this wine

Created to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Barbanera estate, founded in 1938, Gigino is a heartfelt family tribute to Luigi Barbanera, the son of the estate's founders. Today, the estate is managed by the third and fourth generations of the family, who maintain a focus on modern-classical Tuscan winemaking. The grapes for this cuvée are sourced from hilly vineyards in the Valdichiana area, situated on the slopes of Monte Cetona in the province of Siena, Tuscany. The estate is highly committed to environmental sustainability, utilizing 100% renewable energy and lightweight recycled glass bottles.

## Interesting facts

- Named 'Gigino' as a loving tribute to Luigi Barbanera, the son of the winery's founders.
- The 2016 vintage received an outstanding 99/99 points from renowned Italian critic Luca Maroni.
- The Barbanera winery operates on 100% renewable energy and uses eco-friendly recycled glass.

## Food pairing

This full-bodied Tuscan red benefits from dishes with rich proteins and savory fats, which help soften its structured tannins. The wine's moderate residual sugar and ripe fruit profile beautifully complement gamey meats and earthy truffle flavors, while its vibrant acidity cuts through rich, slow-cooked sauces.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested in the cool morning hours to preserve freshness. Following gentle destemming, the fruit undergoes pre-fermentative cold maceration to optimize the extraction of color and primary aromas. Fermentation takes place under temperature-controlled conditions in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in traditional oak barrels (botti di rovere), facilitating gentle micro-oxygenation to integrate the structure while preserving the vibrant fruit profile.