Fantini Edizione 23 Cinque Autoctoni

Aroma: The nose is filled with fruity and spicy aromas. Besides cherries, plums, and wild berries, the typical oak notes and spicy aromas of tobacco and cocoa are particularly noticeable. Taste: On the palate, the Edizione Cinque Autoctoni is very full-bodied and substantial. Powerful tannins coat the mouth, and the high alcohol content, along with notes of vanilla and chocolate, conveys a sense of warm sweetness. The idea for this wine originated at a curious meeting between "wine experts": Valentino Sciotti, now CEO of the Fantini Group; Filippo Baccalaro, Chief Winemaker of the same group and a third-generation Piedmontese winemaker; Hugh Johnson, the world's most famous wine journalist; and Jean Marc Sauboua, a third-generation Bordeaux winemaker. At this special meeting 18 years ago, Hugh Johnson challenged the two young winemakers to create a "great wine" with the character of "Southern Italy," forged from the finest grape varieties of the region; a wine modestly named "table wine," but with the soul of a "great wine," distinguished by its ability to be unique and far superior to what the market offers. Luca Maroni: 99 points: Best Red Wine of Italy 2015, 2016, 2018 + 2021