Caiarossa, 2019
Caiarossa, 2019
- 75cl
- 14.5%
- Red Still
- Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah
- Organic
- Biodynamic
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2040
The Caiarossa 2019 is a beautifully composed Tuscan red that blends Bordeaux varieties with a touch of Mediterranean warmth. It’s polished and harmonious - ripe but not heavy - with supple tannins, fresh acidity and a long, softly savoury finish.
The 2019 vintage in Tuscany is widely regarded as excellent: a steady growing season, warm but not extreme, produced ripe fruit with bright natural acidity and fine tannic structure.
The winery, based in Riparbella on the Tuscan coast, is known for its biodynamic approach and its focus on expressing the complex, mixed soils of the estate’s hillside vineyards. Caiarossa’s wines are crafted with minimal intervention, gentle extraction and élevage in a mix of large oak and amphora.
Currently showing primary fruit with excellent integration, but the wine will reward patience as secondary complexity emerges over the next 2-3 years. The Mediterranean herbs and mineral components will become more pronounced through 2030-2035, while the supple tannins will soften further without losing structure. Expect the wine to plateau beautifully from 2030-2038, with the violet and iris florals evolving into more complex tertiary aromas before gradual decline begins around 2040.
What the critics say:
"This 2019 Caiarossa Caiarossa is a fascinating blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, and Alicante. It has a deep purple, ruby color and a hedonistic, dense, fragrant nose of irises and violets, smoke and Mediterranean macchia. There is a lovely nervosity and tension in this vibrant and juicy wine. Though it feels a little less silky than the Aria di Caiarossa, it does have a wonderful texture, and it has a lovely freshness and vivacity."
"Everything about this wine is seamless. It cannot shake off its French mould, but this goes further than just imitation. Gorgeous nose of oak, black fruit and cassis building a real unity. Velvet-like, cool and supple on the palate and effortlessly elegant while generous too. Stony, mineral fruit on the finish. This vintage comes close to the most prestigious of Bolgheri at a far more advantageous price tag. Caiarossa shines a light on the unjustly unknown terroir of Riparbella. Keep this at least for another year for it to show its potential."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep purple-ruby with excellent concentration and clarity.
NoseHedonistic and dense with iris and violet florals leading to smoke and Mediterranean macchia. Black fruit and cassis build with oak integration, creating remarkable unity and depth. The aromatics suggest both power and elegance in perfect balance.
PalateVelvet-like texture with wonderful nervosity and tension throughout. The wine feels vibrant and juicy with supple tannins that provide structure without heaviness. Fresh acidity keeps everything lively while generous fruit fills the mid-palate with effortless elegance.
FinishLong and softly savoury with stony, mineral fruit and lingering Mediterranean herb complexity.
Overall impressionA seamless wine that transcends mere imitation of Bordeaux to create something distinctly Tuscan and thoroughly compelling.
Food Pairings
In Tuscany's coastal areas, this style of wine traditionally accompanies wild boar ragu with pappardelle, grilled bistecca alla fiorentina with rosemary and garlic, or aged Pecorino Toscano with chestnut honey. The wine's Mediterranean character makes it perfect with herb-crusted lamb, osso buco, or the region's famous cacciucco fish stew from nearby Livorno, where the wine's elegance complements the rich tomato and seafood base.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to show the wine's elegant structure without masking its aromatic complexity. Decant for 45 minutes to an hour to allow the blend's components to integrate fully and the florals to emerge. Use large Bordeaux glasses to concentrate the complex aromatics while providing enough surface area for the wine to breathe and develop in the glass.
The estate's hillside vineyards in Riparbella benefit from complex, mixed soils that provide excellent drainage and mineral complexity. The coastal location brings Mediterranean warmth tempered by sea breezes, creating ideal conditions for both Bordeaux varieties and local grapes. This unique terroir, less famous than neighbouring Bolgheri, offers exceptional potential at more accessible prices while expressing the same fundamental advantages of Tuscany's coastal zone.
Riparbella sits in Tuscany's coastal zone, sharing the maritime climate that makes nearby Bolgheri famous but remaining relatively undiscovered. The area lacks the prestigious DOC status of its neighbour, allowing winemakers more freedom in blending and varietal choice. This flexibility, combined with excellent terroir and lower land prices, attracts innovative producers seeking to create world-class wines without the constraints and costs associated with more famous appellations.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Rich and elegant with ripe black fruit, violet florals, Mediterranean herbs, and supple tannins balanced by fresh acidity and mineral complexity.
When should I drink this wine?
Approachable from 2027 onwards but will show increasing complexity through 2040, with its sweet spot likely between 2030-2038.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Excellent with grilled red meats, game, aged cheeses, or rich pasta dishes - the Mediterranean character works beautifully with herb-crusted lamb or wild boar.
Should I decant this wine?
Yes, decant for 45 minutes to an hour to allow the seven-variety blend to integrate fully and the complex aromatics to emerge.
How does this compare to Bolgheri wines?
Critics note it comes close to prestigious Bolgheri quality at a much better price, offering similar coastal Tuscan character with excellent craftsmanship.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Absolutely - while charming now, it will develop greater complexity over the next decade and remain excellent until 2040.
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