94pts Vinous Media
The 2020 Caberlot is a delicate, understated wine in relative terms. Structurally, the 2020 feels a bit soft, most likely because of rain during harvest. Inviting aromatics and mid-weight structure are the calling cards. Bright, red-toned fruit, rose petals, mint, dried herbs, incense and blood orange are nicely delineated. In 2020, Caberlot is quite understated. I find it one of the quietest, hushed Caberlots I can remember tasting. This will drink well with minimal cellaring - By Antonio Galloni on June 2024

91pts Wine Advocate
The Il Carnasciale 2020 Carnasciale sees fruit sourced from two vineyards totaling 2.5 hectares at 250 to 350 meters in elevation. The grape is called Caberlot. In comparison, the 2021 vintage was hotter overall compared to 2020, because this year ended with cooling temperatures and a lot of rain at the end of the growing season. The wine shows softness, especially in terms of its tannins, with rich fruit flavors and savory spice. That one extra year in the bottle has helped a lot to iron out this wine, giving it a more accessible personality overall.

Il Carnasciale is a special estate recognized as the home of Caberlot, a late-ripening grape that shares characteristics with Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The winery counts 5.8 hectares of vines that are mostly Caberlot with 1.2 hectares cut out for Sangiovese. The soils in this part of the Valdarno are loose and sandy with high iron and mineral content. There is some schist and clay as well. The Caberlot was planted in 1985, and the Sangiovese vines are 20 years old. The estate obtained its certificate for organics in 2023.

In terms of vintages, the 2020 season saw lots of rain, and crews were forced to harvest quickly. The Sangiovese was not produced in that year. The 2021 vintage was hot, and the fruit came off the vines earlier than normal. Published: Mar 21, 2024 Reviewed by: Monica Larner

Terroir
Podere Il Carnasciale is situated in the hills near Mercatale Valdarno, in eastern Tuscany, where elevations and limestone-rich soils provide ideal conditions for structured, age-worthy reds. The estate is singularly devoted to the rare Caberlot grape—a crossing believed to share lineage with Cabernet Franc and Merlot—found nowhere else in meaningful plantings.

Vineyards sit at moderate altitude, benefiting from warm Tuscan days and significant diurnal temperature swings that preserve acidity and aromatic complexity. The soils—composed of calcareous clay, galestro, and fractured limestone—contribute tension, minerality, and firm tannic structure.

The 2020 vintage in Tuscany was marked by a warm yet even growing season. Adequate spring rainfall replenished reserves, followed by a dry, sunny summer that ensured full ripeness. Cooler nights approaching harvest maintained freshness and aromatic precision. The result is a vintage combining depth of fruit with poise and balance—hallmarks essential to Carnasciale’s refined power.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
The fruit is harvested by hand and rigorously sorted to preserve only the finest clusters. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled tanks, allowing for careful extraction tailored to the naturally structured Caberlot grape. Gentle pump-overs and extended maceration enhance color and tannin integration while protecting aromatic nuance.

Aging takes place in French oak barriques, with a portion of new oak lending structure and subtle spice. The maturation period is designed to harmonize the grape’s firm backbone with polish and complexity. Extended bottle aging prior to release further refines texture and allows tertiary elements to begin emerging.

Production remains extremely limited, emphasizing meticulous craftsmanship and vineyard expression over volume.

Tasting Notes
Deep, opaque ruby in color, the 2020 opens with an intense bouquet of blackcurrant, ripe blackberry, and dark plum. Floral hints of violet intertwine with graphite, cedar, and subtle tobacco leaf. With aeration, notes of cocoa powder, espresso, and Mediterranean herbs unfold.

On the palate, the wine is powerful yet remarkably composed. Concentrated flavors of cassis, black cherry, and wild berry are framed by firm, finely etched tannins. A vibrant core of acidity carries the wine through a dense mid-palate, lending both lift and longevity. Mineral undertones and savory spice provide structure, while oak contributes nuanced layers of vanilla and dark chocolate.

The finish is long and persistent, marked by dark fruit, polished tannins, and a lingering impression of earth and spice.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 60–65°F after decanting for at least one to two hours. The wine’s structure and depth make it an exceptional pairing for roasted game, braised short ribs, or bistecca alla Fiorentina. Truffle-infused dishes, porcini risotto, and aged pecorino also complement its earthy undertones.

Its balance of power and refinement allows it to elevate both rustic Tuscan cuisine and more contemporary preparations.

Cellaring & Longevity
The 2020 Carnasciale is built for extended aging. While approachable with proper aeration, its true complexity will reveal itself over time. Expect primary black fruit to gradually evolve into notes of dried fig, leather, balsamic, and forest floor as tertiary characteristics develop.

Optimal drinking is anticipated from 2028 through 2045, with the potential to age gracefully for 20+ years under proper cellar conditions. Its combination of concentrated fruit, firm tannins, and vibrant acidity ensures a long evolutionary arc, making it one of Tuscany’s most distinctive and collectible IGT wines.