The Querciabella Turpino has been quietly building a following over the years, and the new 2020 vintage is a confident answer to the Super Tuscan challenge. Scoring 96 points from Antonio Galloni, this exceptional red is Querciabella’s top wine from Maremma – a small region in Southern Tuscany that’s home to superstars such as Sassicaia and Ornellaia.
The Turpino is a skilful blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. It unfolds with layers of ripe blackberry, blueberry and red cherry, lifted by perfumed notes of lavender and subtle nuances of tobacco, black pepper and olive. At R645, the wine represents ridiculous value given its pedigree!
The vineyards here benefit from their proximity to the Uccellina Natural Park highlands, where the cooling sea breezes and mineral-rich, pebble-strewn soils contribute to remarkable quality and balance.
Founded in 1974 by Giuseppe ‘Pepito’ Castiglioni, Querciabella has grown from a single hectare on a Tuscan hillside to one of Italy’s foremost organic wineries under the leadership of Pepito’s son, Sebastiano. They are praised as ‘a pioneer of sustainable viticulture in Italy’ (Susan Hulme MW) and continue to set the standard for fine Tuscan winemaking. Manfred Ing, the winemaker of this estate, is South African and has been ‘asserting his influence at Querciabella since 2010’, says Greg Sherwood MW.
Tasting Notes:
‘The 2020 Turpino, which I tasted from barrel last year, turned out beautifully. Rich, layered and expansive, the 2020 is captivating from the very first taste. The blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot works so well. There’s some whole clusters (50%) in the Syrah, another choice that works quite well. All the elements are so harmonious. This is another fabulous wine from Querciabella.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 96/100
‘Tasted from cask prior to bottling, the 2020 Turpino possesses notable textural depth and resonance. A touch of whole clusters in the Syrah and Franc adds unusual elegance and vibrancy. In other words, there is more Querciabella than true Maremma character here. It’s an approach that works beautifully here. Dark fruit, mocha, lavender, herbs and licorice build into the explosive, resonant, finish. I can’t wait to taste this from bottle.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 94-96/100
