Desiderio 2021 Merlot Toscana IGT Avignonesi

Desiderio 2021 Merlot Toscana IGT Avignonesi

Desiderio was a bull that lived on the Le Capezzine farm of Avignonesi over a hundred years ago. The largest bull in Tuscany at that time, this majestic animal helped define the Chianina breed, specific to the Bistecca Fiorentina. It was a natural choice to dedicate this Merlot to the beloved bull as a testament to the origin of the wines.
This is Merlot from Tuscany at its best.

Desiderio 2021 by Avignonesi is a Merlot Toscana IGT with a strong personality, designed for those looking for a rich, deep, and contemporary red. Produced with 100% Merlot grapes, it interprets the varietal in a Tuscan style with aromatic breadth, enveloping softness, and an elegant flavor structure, supported by aging in barriques that enrich its complexity and definition.

Territory and wine style

The Toscana IGT designation offers great expressive freedom and allows Avignonesi to enhance the Merlot with a precise and recognizable style. Desiderio 2021 is born from a harvest carried out in early September and from vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, followed by aging in 225-liter oak barriques. The result is a modern, intense, and structured Tuscan wine, capable of uniting ripe fruit, spices, and a refined profile.

Vintage 2021

At the beginning of spring 2021, temperatures were higher than usual. However, no one expected a winter weather episode in April; the frosts caused substantial damage affecting yield, but fortunately not quality. A mild summer with generally cool temperatures compensated for the lack of rainfall. The abundant water reserves stored in the soil during the winter allowed the grapes to mature properly.

Tasting notes

In the glass, it presents a deep and concentrated color. On the nose, it offers an immediate and generous impact, with hints of cherry and plum jam, notes of black tea, rhubarb, and graphite, leading to final nuances of cardamom. On the palate, the entry is broad and decisive, with an enveloping and juicy texture. The tannin is silky, linear, and well-integrated, while the flavor progression remains consistent with the aromatic profile, closing with sensations of coconut and black pepper on the finish.

Recommended pairings

Desiderio 2021 pairs beautifully with grilled red meats, roasts, braised dishes, and game birds, but it also complements structured first courses like pappardelle with ragù, baked lasagna, and mushroom preparations. Its softness and spicy component also make it suitable for aged cheeses and rich dishes from Tuscan and Mediterranean cuisine.

Serving temperature

Serve Desiderio 2021 at a temperature between 16 and 18 °C. If possible, it is helpful to open the bottle a little in advance to enhance the evolution of the aromas; alternatively, a brief aeration in a decanter can be beneficial, especially in its youthful phase.

Why buy it

Desiderio 2021 Merlot Toscana IGT Avignonesi is an ideal choice for those seeking an elegant red but rich in character, with a broad aromatic profile and an enveloping drinkability. A wine that well expresses the dialogue between varietal, territory, and winemaking style, perfect for both an important dinner and to enrich a cellar with a Tuscan label of strong identity and great commercial appeal.