M.L. Fioretti San Vito I.G.T. Toscana Rosso 2020

Merlot performs exceptionally well in Tuscany, think of wines like Masseto, Vigna l'Apparita, and Rampolla's Liu'! With Matthew at the helm, this is truly a gem! The grapes were destemmed but not crushed and placed in a new 25hl wooden vat for a cold maceration of 4 days, followed by 10 days of fermentation at a maximum of 26°C, and then an additional 2 days of extended maceration. Only free-run juice was used (no press wine!), which was then placed into four new barrels and two 320-liter non-porous amphorae.

The result is an exceptional Merlot with a deep colour, a beautiful aroma of dark fruit, and a creamy, smooth, full-bodied flavour with incredibly fine, velvety tannins on the very long finish. This wine already holds a cult status, making it quite challenging to acquire.

Oh, and there are no scores for these wines anywhere. Matthew finds it rather absurd to reduce wine to a numerical rating, a sentiment we can certainly agree with. Reviews can be written, but no points are assigned, which is why most reviewers don't even bother.