Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThe 2017 Cabernet Franc Arcanum is a brooding and expressive wine made entirely from Cabernet Franc. Musky aromas of graphite, cassis, cigar box, sage, and incense evolve in the glass. Weightless and full, it has ripe tannins and a refined arch of black fruit, mocha, and earth. Its ripeness is balanced with fresh acidity and delicate salinity.
This wine is now a 100% expression of Cabernet Franc. The 2017 Arcanum is the top-shelf red from Tenuta di Arceno. It is a rich, almost meaty wine, with dark fruit, savory tobacco, smoked bacon and sweet earth. What distinguishes this hot-vintage wine, however, are the rosemary and dried lavender that give this wine an authentically Tuscan personality. This is really quite nice.
Tenuta di Arceno is an ancient Tuscan estate with a diverse portfolio of the highest quality wines across two classification levels – three wines centered on the native Sangiovese grape in the Chianti Classico DOCG collection; and three wines celebrating the estate’s international varieties under the Toscana IGT designation. The estate is situated at the southernmost-edge of Chianti Classico in the butterfly-shaped commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, closest in proximity to Siena and rightfully referred to as ‘the most Senese Chianti Classico. It’s home to other world-renowned producers and stylistically distinct from counterparts to the north.
The estate is 1,000 total hectares (2,500 acres) of which 90 hectares (220 acres) are planted to vines – the remaining land is preserved for native vegetation including 50 hectares (125 acres) of olive orchards. Separated into 63 distinct vineyard blocks, the vineyards are planted to 50% Sangiovese and 50% international varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The ancient walled town of San Gusmè, provides a breathtaking backdrop for the vineyards of Tenuta di Arceno.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.