2021 Le Cupole de Trinoro

56% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot. The winemaking process is the same as for Tenuta di Trinoro but the result is very different. ‘Most of what we make – 80% – goes into Cupole’, according to Benjamin Franchetti. ‘We want to keep it accessible.’ There is no library stock of this wine. A little skinnier than Tenuta di Trinoro. Edgy. Lots of tension and a bit fresher than Tenuta di Trinoro. Big difference in price! Just a little inky. GV (JR)

The 2021 Le Cupole (a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot) is the well-priced entry-level red from one of the most prolific and creative wine estates in Tuscany. Le Cupole is velvety and full-bodied with dark fruit, dried cherry and sweet earth or terracotta. This is an incredible value. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, and the wine is matured in neutral barrique and cement. Some 100,000 bottles were released.