Avignonesi was founded in 1974 in Montepulciano by Ettore Falvo and since 2009 has been run by Belgian owner Virginie Saverys, who turned it into one of Tuscany's great biodynamic estates: 175 hectares across Montepulciano and Cortona, certified organic since 2016 and biodynamic since the 2019 harvest. Grifi is the house Supertuscan, a meeting of Montepulciano Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.
In 2022 the blend is 61.77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38.23% Sangiovese. Both late-ripening varieties are picked and fermented together, and the wine then ages for about 18 months in barrique.
2022 was the hottest vintage on record, with a long, scorching summer, and it gave a generous, welcoming Grifi. Deep ruby with purple highlights, it opens on ripe fruit and violet, then graphite and delicate vanilla; the palate is dense and broad, with plum and blueberry, a balsamic, spicy lift and a savoury, long finish. Jancis Robinson scored it 93 points. Pair with red meat, roasts, game and aged cheeses.
At a glance: Cabernet Sauvignon 61.77%, Sangiovese 38.23% · 14% ABV · 0.75 l · Avignonesi, Montepulciano