Welcome to Aia Vecchia

~ Welcome to Aia Vecchia ~

In 1996, after spending years within various segments of the wine industry,  the Pellegrini family purchased what is now the Aia Vecchia estate in Maremma with the mission to create top quality Tuscan blends based on the Bordeaux varietals which thrive in this corner of Tuscany.

Agronomist Daniel Schuster was enlisted to assist in the vineyard plantings, drawing on his extensive experience with Bordeaux and in fact,  the original vineyard cuttings were sourced directly from Bordeaux to ensure the quality of the vines.  The estate covers 118 acres in total, about half of which are planted to vines. Aia Vecchia,  named after a large refurbished building that dominates the estate,  produces three Tuscan Rosso blends and a Vermentino.  Today, we're focusing on their primary estate red,  Lagone. 

Lagone is the main wine produced at Aia Vecchia, and although it is not expensive,  do not make the mistake that simplicity lies within.  This wine is exciting and is one of the best values I've ever come across from Maremma.   Aia Vecchia produces a more expensive,  micro production rosso called Sor Ugo,  but Lagone is the mainstay of the estate.  

The 2012 Aia Vecchia Lagone is a serious red.   In the glass, the wine is a deep violet red with a lighter violet ring around the edge of the bowl.  The aromatics are bountiful and include crushed plums, violets, fresh herbs, spice and tobacco notes.  This is very attractive to smell.  

On the palate, the wine is equally as compelling.  Velvety black and red plums provide a core of round, juicy fruit that is backed by pipe tobacco, wild Tuscan brush and hints of raw meat.  Juicy, structured and elegant, the finish is long and punctuated nicely with balanced tannins and acids.  This is an exceptional value and while the Merlot in the blend affords early accessibility,  I wouldn't hesitate cellaring this for 1-2 years.  91 points.  A steal at retail between $12-$15. 

~ Lagone is 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet, and 10% Cabernet Franc ~

Pour some.......

Salute!