ITG 2020 in the blindspot.
The beginning! One brisk March morning, an invitation arrived, postmarked from the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany. The message was clear, yet irresistible—an exclusive gathering of trained palates and articulate minds, drawn together to experience and evaluate a selection of fine wines.
The setup? 12 wines of the most priced and wanted labels; of the category, had been hunted and searched for, for months. To make their mark, in the attention for the senses; in a colosseum amongst scholars of the wine world.
The task? To taste, to compare, and to measure their aromas against the pleasure of enjoying them, with one crucial stipulation—the price of the wines was not disclosed and must in no way influence the final judgment.
The chosen crew of the degustation.
Vittorio Fiori, cast his radiant aura of tranquility and wisdom upon the group.
Andrea Gori, left his mark with precise cuts and an unerring mind.
Magdy Lamei, wove his charm into sharp opinions, making freshness an undeniable reality.
Simona Geri, shaped her insights into substance, giving the discussion weight and depth.
Stefano Ferrari, the master of Slow Wine. Gave his words with focused mind.
Santiago Dosi, a knows wholesaler and fine tuned palette.
Massimo Caponi, Sommelier in Enoteca Giö.
Jakob Jensen, Sommelier Fratelli Vine, Denmark. The writer of this colum.
Marco Bechi, restauranteur with passion. The diplomat, of the group.
Luca Genito, Sommelier Ristorante Lubna, Milano. Young, direct and real sharp.
Luano Bensi, Technical Director, Arillo in Terrabianca. The positive soul, with finely tuned senses.
Roberto Mattozzi, Gambero Rosso. Made sure that all kept the pace and direction.
Each member of the gathering wielded knowledge, wisdom, and power, making the tasting both a delight and a formidable challenge.
Our host; Arillo in Terrabianca; had made this gathering before,
Each time before with a different perception and lineup.
An afternoon in the Spirit of Sangiovese
The lights were fully lit, the glasses gleamed crystal clear, and a quiet sense of anticipation hung in the air. Before each participant stood twelve carefully poured glasses, each holding a wine that captured the very soul of Sangioveses influence. This was an afternoon devoted to pure focused "enjoyment"—a gathering where nothing mattered but taste, sensation, and the fleeting pleasure of the moment.
No labels, no price tags, no preconceptions. Only the wine in its truest form, judged solely by its ability to delight, to enchant, and to express its character.
The first sip was a revelation. Some wines waltzed across the tongue with bright acidity and grace, while others carried a firmer structure, their tannins unfolding like the pages of a well-worn novel.
The conversation ebbed and flowed—refined, yet never rigid. Nuances were discussed, impressions exchanged, and comparisons drawn.
To lend structure to the experience, each wine was assessed on a 20-point scale. Any score below 11 was simply undrinkable, while a mark of 18 or higher placed the wine in an elite league.
Initially, the price and prestige had no place in the deliberations—only the sheer pleasure of the wines comparede to the other wines, itself determined the outcome.
As the last glas had been savored, the room settled into a quiet understanding: this afternoon had of course been an adventure, to finding out who had mastered the flavors of the IGT's in the region.
It was about experiencing, feeling, and surrendering to the magic of Sangioveses influense to the magical potions; from the Masters of IGT's of Tuscany.
In the end, a top three emerged from the twelve. The lineup was filled with wines of great renown producers, each with a history of triumphs. When the identities were finally revealed, it was clear that every bottle ranged in price between €25 and €160 on the European market. Yet, in a twist that defied expectations, none of the wines priced above €100 secured a place in the top three.
So the top three wines of the 7. edition of tasting tuscan origins, 2020 IGT Tuscany tasting is:
1: Il Blu - Brancaia
2: Campaccio Collezione - Arillo in Terabianca
3: Siepi - Castello di Fonterutoli Mazzei
Perhaps, after all, excellence is not always measured in price.
But in the sheer joy it brings to those who taste it.
I thank my hosts at Arillo in terrabianca for the opportunity to take part in this lesson and serious undertaking, of sampling the very best of the the Super tuscan wines of 2020.
I look forward to more experiences, in the future.
Guest blogger
Lorenzo Ficini - Arillo in Terrabianca.