Altrovino 2018 – Duemani.

In this review a Tuscan blend named Altrovino by DueMani. Altrovino is labelled as a Tuscan IGT and made of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is a biodynamic red wine, with grapes grown along the Tuscan coast.

The Winery 

In 2000 Elena Celli and Luca D’Attoma founded DueMani in Riparbella. Along the coast, on a hillside facing the sea their vineyard lies on a raised altitude of 250-300 meters. The sunny climate and coolness of the sea make a great combination with the clay rich limestone soils, rich of nutrients.

They decided to start with Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot (later complemented with Grenache), that fit perfectly with these surroundings. Following biodynamic principles, they work a total of 12 hectares, producing 5 different wines (average yearly production of 45,000 bottles), all Demeter certified.

The Wine 

Altrovino is the only blend produced by the winery. It sits amongst a family of monocepage wines and consists of Merlot (delivering a strong fruit profile) and Cabernet Franc (for structure, body, herbal notes and spices). The vines are 17 years of age and delivering low but concentrated yields.

Blended in equal parts this wine is fermented in cement vats (and partially terracotta amphorae), after which it receives its upbringing in French oak for 8-10 months.

In the glass it presents itself with a dark ruby color. The wine continues with a prominent bouquet in the nose, black fruit goes hand in hand with herbal notes. Opening up all senses it leads to a well-balanced palette with sleek tannins and a full body (ABV 13.5%). In the aftertaste the wine re-energizes itself, with a strong fruit driven focus. Good to drink now (with some air) but potential to improve. With a smile on our face we are curious about the rest of the DueMani portfolio. 

Robert Parker score: 94/100 James Suckling & Wine Spectator score 93/100.

This wine is available online at Best of Wines for a price of €36,34. You can find it through this link.

Price:                ~ €36

Taste date:      August 2022

Score:              93/100 DWA Score

Website:          DueMani