Introduction
Tenuta di Trinoro was established in the 1980s by Andrea Franchetti after he sold a painting by his uncle, artist Cy Twombly, to purchase a plot of land in the remote Val d’Orcia in southern Tuscany.
The plot Andrea fell in love with had no viticultural history and so he carved out access over a tree-covered hillside, building terraces in a picturesque inland valley between 450 and 600 meters above sea level to create this unique estate. His passion, risk-taking and attention to detail created one of the greatest wineries in Italy, a true Super Tuscan.
The potential of this remote farm was in the clay-limestone and gravel soils, similar to those found in the historic winemaking region of Saint-Émilion. Andrea had spent periods of time in Bordeaux seeking counsel from his friends, Jean-Luc Thunevin and Peter Sisseck, and so, the site was planted at high density with cuttings from some of the best Bordelais châteaux. The four red varieties are Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. To highlight the diverse terroirs, there are three Cabernet Franc Campi (Crus), which reflect the versatility of this varietal that often plays second fiddle to Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. A small quantity of dry Sémillon is produced, in keeping with Andrea’s passion for Bordeaux wines.
Following Andrea Franchetti’s untimely death in December 2021, the next generation of Franchetti’s are looking after the family estate. Benjamin is at the helm, with the support of his siblings Cody, Giordano and Baldassarra.
Benjamin first joined Tenuta di Trinoro in 2016, bringing his scientific approach and expertise gained through a PHD in mechanical engineering to the quiet and secluded hills of Val d’Orcia. Benjamin worked closely with his father Andrea and the two winemakers Lorenzo Fornaini and Cologero Portanesse before leading the direction of the estate. Between them, they are a formidable team with an incredible understanding of the specific terroirs and potential of Tenuta di Trinoro.
To ensure precise and unique terroir expression, the 25 hectares of vines are separated into 45 different plots, planted at high density and heavily pruned to increase concentration. For the past 30 years they have practised biodynamic farming and always bottle their wines on a waning moon. Quality is at their core and as such, Tenuta di Trinoro produces some of Italy’s finest and most celebrated wines.
THIBAUT MATHIEU
MANAGING DIRECTOR CORNEY & BARROW ASIA
July 2024
THE WINES OF TENUTA DI TRINORO 2021
THE VINTAGE
Akin to other winemaking regions across Europe, 2021 was a year of marked extremes. A short winter encouraged the buds to open early, and then they were ravaged by the April frost that plagued most of northern Europe. A hot and dry spring meant the vines had to dig deep to source water. To mitigate the dry conditions and offer some respite to the vines, the team decided to irrigate, however they still had to green harvest so that the vines could concentrate their efforts on fewer bunches to achieve optimum ripeness. Rain finally fell at the end of August, but the heat continued into September. Cooler autumn evenings kept acidity in balance and ensured milder conditions for harvest. Semillon was harvested first on the 9th of September, Merlot was picked in the third week of September following some welcome rain, and then Cabernets and Petit Verdot were collected in mid-October in cold conditions.
The 45 different parcels are vinified separately, to ensure the finest terroir expression. The wines are then matured in French oak barrels for 4-8 months and then one year in cement vats.
BIANCO TRINORO 2021
100% Sémillon from a sandy parcel located in one of the highest point of the estate, at 630 metres above sea level. Initially planted in 2001, the plot was completed in 2006, with Bordeaux cuttings. A little chamomile and fresh green apple on the nose that evolves with an almond note and honey. The palate has a waxy character with peach and almost yoghurt like richness. There is plenty of refreshing lemony acids to finish retaining Semillon character that holds the ripeness. 12.5% abv. 1,789 bottles produced.
Corney & Barrow Score 16
Recommended drinking from 2024-2027
LE CUPOLE 2021
The first vintage was 1995, this is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Lovely sour cherry notes on the nose with leathery spice and a fresh blackcurrant lift. There is evident richness to taste with a core of dense black fruit all building grip and texture. Cleansing acids power through on the finish with dried oregano and thyme lending complexity to the finish. 15% abv. 100,000 bottles produced
Corney & Barrow Score 17
Recommended drinking from 2024-2030
CAMPO DI CAMAGI 2021
100% Cabernet Franc, the wine comes from 1.5 hectares of a thin layer of quartz and limestone. The 28-year-old vines struggle to grow, creating wines of intense concentration, the Cabernet Franc in the Tenuta wine comes from this vineyard. More red fruit apparent here compared to the Campo di Tenaglia. Very Cabernet Franc with red strawberry and green pepper notes! There is texture and a firm grip to the tannins guiding the savoury pastry and red berry aromas. The finish has spice and chalky tannins which will soften. 15.5% abv. 2,000 bottles produced.
Corney & Barrow Score 17+
Recommended drinking from 2025-2032
CAMPO DI TENAGLIA 2021
100% Cabernet Franc, made with grapes from a 0.8 hectares plot, characterized by two metre layer of coarse crushed limestone sand. The vineyard is located on an open west-facing slope at c. 500 metres above sea level. Blackcurrant and pepper on the nose are all clipped well by a mineral blueberry vein alongside some liquorice spice. Feeling compact on the nose currently, the palate bursts with a dance of blue and black fruits, viscous with plenty of freshness to finish and a savoury salty note. Promising with a lot of development ahead. 15.5% abv. 1,500 bottles produced.
Corney & Barrow Score 17.5
Recommended drinking from 2025-2032
CAMPO DI MAGNACOSTA 2021
The first of three Cabernet Franc Cru born in 2011: Campo di Magnacosta is a 1.5-hectare parcel of river gravel and silt on the valley's bottom, where an old stream ate into a hill (Magna: eat; Costa: hillside). It was planted over 20 years ago with cuttings from a vineyard in Pomerol where Cabernet Franc has grown for three centuries. Plenty of savoury baked notes on the nose with the ripeness evident of blackberries and raspberry compote. There is a certain rusticity also with classic Italian oregano and kirsch notes alongside the fruit. Mouth-filling with powerful fruit and spice before the chalkiness of the tannins starts to build. An energetic fresh finish cleanses with baking spice persisting. 16% abv. 2,700 bottles produced.
Corney & Barrow Score 17
Recommended drinking from 2025-2031
PALAZZI 2021
100% Merlot, selected fruit from different parcels over 7 hectares. 450-600 metres above sea level. Blackcurrants and sour red cherry lifting from the glass. Viscous and mouth filling with rich black plum and vanilla spice. The delicious fruit is enveloped by ripe tannins gripping with a balance of savoury toastiness and chalky mineral texture. 15.5% abv. 1,500 bottles produced.
Corney & Barrow Score 17
Recommended drinking from 2025-2032
TENUTA DI TRINORO 2021
The flagship wine from the estate, this is the grand vin produced to showcase the complexity and richness of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from this unique valley. If Palazzi pays homage to the right bank of Bordeaux, this wine is a nod to the left bank with 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. The nose is ripe and rich with heady aromas of blackberries and black plums and some sweet spices. Cabernet Franc brings freshness and energy to the palate, intertwined with ripe tannins that melt through a long finish. An impressive wine that will mature beautifully. 15.5% abv. 8,590 bottles produced.
Corney & Barrow Score 17.5+
Recommended drinking from 2026 - 2035