The Val di Cornia, a southern tip of the Livorno coast, is an ancient territory, inhabited as early as the 9th century BC by the Etruscans. It’s an area blessed by nature, with abundant light, refreshing sea breezes, and mineral-rich subsoil. In its ampelographic expression, the Val di Cornia reveals the face of “another Tuscany,” one that speaks more than just the language of Sangiovese. In these lands of warmth and power, wine needs to be refreshed by international influences.
A great interpreter of this terroir is the Sant’Agnese winery, nestled in the scenic setting of the Piombino promontory, facing the island of Elba.
Born, or rather, reborn, in 1994, when the Gigli family, now led by the “friendly Tuscan” Paolo, took over the property. In addition to exquisite Vermentino, Sangiovese, and Rosé wines, the winery stands out for a truly remarkable interpretation of a long-lived Merlot: Spirto. The latest vintage on the market is 2008.
It displays a dense ruby red color, then unleashes rich blackberry and blueberry aromas on the nose, notes of baked black olives, and Mediterranean hints of myrtle and oregano. Toasted and spicy notes intertwine. The palate has a firm tannic texture, with a savory, salty finish, a hallmark of the terroir. I would pair it with a well-structured, succulent, and long-cooked dish: braised veal cheek with Certaldo onions and Vitelotte potato cream.
Valentino Tesi
ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN LA REPUBBLICA FLORENCE ON MAY 26, 2022
