What kind of wine is Toscana Bianco IGT 'Da-Di - Amphora Wine' 2023 - Avignonesi

The Toscana Bianco IGT 'Da-Di - Amphora Wine' 2023 - Avignonesi is a skin-contact white wine that pays homage to the ancestral tradition of amphora winemaking. It is a wine that sits halfway between white and orange wine, combining freshness and complexity. The result of rediscovering the potential of the Cortona territory and its native grape varieties, it authentically expresses Avignonesi's philosophy: respect for nature, enhancement of local grapes, and a continuous search for balance between tradition and innovation.

Vintage details

The 2023 vintage in Tuscany was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with warm days and cool nights that favored gradual grape ripening. The wine is made from a blend of native Tuscan grape varieties: Orpicchio, Vermentino, Grechetto, and Trebbiano. These varieties, grown in the clay and sandy soils of Cortona, each contribute with their own character – from the structure of Trebbiano to the freshness of Vermentino, to the aromatic finesse of Orpicchio and the softness of Grechetto.

Winemaking and aging

The production process of Toscana Bianco IGT 'Da-Di - Amphora Wine' 2023 - Avignonesi is at the heart of its uniqueness. Vinifications are carried out separately, respecting the nature of each grape variety:

• Orpicchio: aging in stoneware amphorae and used barriques;
• Vermentino: fermentation and aging exclusively in amphora, to preserve its freshness;
• Grechetto: carbonic maceration in stainless steel and aging in used barriques;
• Trebbiano: short skin maceration (48 hours) and subsequent rest in barriques.

After the final blending, the wine is bottled in the spring. The passage in amphora – a terracotta container that allows for a slow exchange of oxygen – gives the wine a silky texture and a pleasant aromatic complexity.

Tasting notes

The Toscana Bianco IGT 'Da-Di - Amphora Wine' 2023 - Avignonesi offers an intense and unconventional sensory experience, typical of skin-contact wines.

Color

Visually, it presents an enchanting golden amber hue, immediately suggesting a longer maceration than that of a traditional white wine.

Nose

On the nose, notes of ripe yellow fruit, orange peel, and slight hints of medicinal herbs emerge, with a touch of honey and controlled oxidative nuances that add depth and complexity.

Palate

On the palate, it reveals the typical tannic structure of macerated wines: a pleasant astringency that accompanies a full-bodied, enveloping sip, balanced by a lively freshness. The finish is persistent, with slight mineral nuances and a savory sensation that invites another taste.

Food pairings for Toscana Bianco IGT 'Da-Di - Amphora Wine' 2023 - Avignonesi

This skin-contact white wine pairs perfectly with dishes of strong personality, capable of matching its structure and aromatic complexity. Some recommended pairings:

• Tuscan land-based cuisine: cheese board with aged cheeses and artisanal cured meats;
• flavorful fish dishes, such as baccalà alla livornese (Livornese-style cod) or seafood soups;
• white meats and roasted poultry with aromatic herbs;
• vegetarian dishes with grilled vegetables or spicy legumes.

Serve it at a temperature of approximately 12°C, preferably after letting it breathe for a few minutes: the wine will open up, revealing a broader and more intriguing bouquet.

Storage and aging: how to store Toscana Bianco IGT 'Da-Di - Amphora Wine' 2023 - Avignonesi

The Toscana Bianco IGT 'Da-Di - Amphora Wine' 2023 - Avignonesi has interesting evolutionary potential, thanks to its tannic structure and amphora winemaking. If stored correctly, it can express new aromas and greater roundness in the 3-5 years following the vintage.

To store it best:

• store the bottle horizontally, away from light and temperature fluctuations;
• maintain a constant ambient temperature of around 12-14°C;
• avoid vibrations or strong odors nearby.

Before serving, decanting for 15-20 minutes can be useful to allow the wine to oxygenate and release all its aromatic complexity.