Fresh pressed:

Sip of the Day

January 6, 2021

Day #[wpdts-day-of-year start=”post-created”] of the year.

Tenuta di Biserno Il Pino di Biserno Toscana IGT

In the U.S., we usually add the three kings to Nativity scenes during the lead-up before Christmas for a “complete” tableau. However, the three magi didn’t reach their destination until after Jesus was born, purportedly on January 6, a day also known as the Epiphany. This Italian wine is a royal match for Three Kings Day with its notes of spices and chocolate, and this stately, bold red might even be a more welcome gift than myrrh in this day and age! Its origins are doubly fitting, for Italians take the Epifania seriously. Their Christmas holidays extend well into January 6, and the Epifania celebrations often include a feast—at which this wine would be a welcome guest.

ORIGIN

Maremma, Tuscany

Grapes

52% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet

Tasting Notes

Il Pino shows an intense nose with ripe fruit and some spicy notes. The oak is well integrated and adds complexity and balance to the fruit. The wine is medium to full bodied with ripe tannins, fine acidity and great length. The wine has all the components to develop beautifully in the next 7 to 10 years.

Food Match

Pair with roast meats, particularly beef, whether it be filet de sirloin or Tuscan T-Bone.

AUTHOR:

Diana Zahuranec

Diana studied Anthropology at Penn State and Food Culture & Communications at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy. After living la bella vita in Italy for six years, she returned to the U.S. and landed in NYC. She has been working in wine since 2012 and holds WSET 2. Loves Nebbiolo and amaro. Talk to her about Italy.