Rosso Toscana Poggio di Guardia

The bigger brother to SerPrimo, Poggio di Guardia is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Rebo. The latter is a 1920s crossing of Merlot and Teroldego, in this case matured in terracotta rather than the French oak used for the other varieties. The nose is ripe, chocolatey and spicy, with flecks of damp earth, cigar tobacco, sandalwood and tarragon. There's good concentration of dark, plummy fruits in the mouth, with a slightly herbal, minty overtone and an undercurrent of sweet red berries contrasting savoury mushroom and earth hints. The long finish is carried by bright acidity.