Antinori's 100% Cabernet Franc 2011 Matarocchio is starting to give Guado al Tasso a run for its money as the best wine off the property. Expressive and beautifully delineated in the glass, the 2011 graces the palate with grilled herbs, smoke, new leather and black stone fruits. Cabernet Franc has proven to be exceptionally well-suited to the Tuscan coast. In this vintage, the Matarocchio really shines.

I was blown away by the 2011 Matarocchio (100% Cabernet Franc). From 15-year-old vines planted some 60 meters above sea level on the Tuscan coast, this wine is absolutely stunning, delicious and simply unforgettable. Only produced in 2007, 2009 and 2011, this third edition shows towering aromas of sensuous dark fruit, leather and tobacco. If Cabernet Franc is the darling grape of this appellation, Matarocchio is a reason why. The mouthfeel is penetrating and powerful, but seamless and silky smooth at the same time. The tannin management is excellent. This is one to keep in the cellar.

2011 was a bit of a crazy season; September saw milder weather together with sporadic precipitation, which allowed the Cabernet Franc to complete the final ripening phase in a uniform fashion. This is confirmed by an incredible intensity of colour and extraction (30 days with fermentation and maceration) after five days of cold soak, before malolactic fermentation in 100% new French barrique. A restrained, sweet tobacco aroma dominates the nose, supported by dark cassis fruits and black pepper with cherry in depth. The wine is powerful, creamy on the palate with a thick, slightly angular finish underlined by moderate acidity. It shows great lenghth with cacao powder and fruit notes.
Tasted by Aldo Fiordelli (at Bolgheri, 06 Sep 2019)
Part of Antinori's Guado al Tasso and Matarocchio

Renzo Cotarella’s favourite. Still very concentrated purple with lots of mineral notes. Very charming and fresh with extreme vitality. Great stuff! Wonderful completeness and energy. Fully ripe. Great combination of freshness and intensity. (JR)