Grifi (2020)

About this wine

Grifi 2020 is a Toscana IGT red from Avignonesi made from an even blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. The two varieties are vinified separately in stainless steel, using indigenous yeasts, with extended skin contact of about 25 to 30 days to build color and tannin. Aromas lean toward blueberry and blackberry, with notes of incense, sandalwood, graphite and a touch of vanilla. The palate is dense but energetic, bringing plum and dark berry fruit, balsamic spice, and a savory finish lifted by bright acidity and lively, mouth coating tannins. Ageing is about 24 months in oak, including a mix of larger casks and barriques, which helps add structure and subtle spice while keeping the fruit clear. Grifi is also a revived historic label at Avignonesi, originally produced from the early 1980s until the mid 1990s, then brought back after a change in ownership.

About the grape

Avignonesi Grifi 2020 is an even blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, two late ripening grapes, one native to Tuscany and the other born in Bordeaux from a historic crossing that became the classic backbone of many Left Bank reds. Sangiovese has been grown in central Italy for centuries and is central to Montepulciano and wider Tuscan tradition, here it is sourced from Avignonesi vineyards in Montepulciano to anchor the wine in local fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon arrived in Tuscany in the modern era and proved well suited to warmer inland sites, in Grifi it comes from Avignonesi parcels in Cortona and Montepulciano to complement Sangiovese with structure. For the 2020 bottling the two varieties are vinified separately in stainless steel with native yeasts from the estate pied de cuve, then aged in oak, continuing a historic Avignonesi label first made in 1983, paused after 1996, and later revived by the estate.

Quick facts

• 🔁 Grifi is a “reborn” Avignonesi label, originally made from 1983 to 1996, then revived under owner Virginie Saverys.
• 🦅 The griffin on the label is a literal clue to the blend, it appears on the coats of arms of both Montepulciano and Cortona and symbolizes a creature made of a lion and an eagle.
• 🤝 Instead of keeping varieties totally separate, Grifi is made by harvesting and fermenting Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon together to “stage the meeting” of the two grapes from the start.
• ⚖️ The 2020 bottling is an even split blend, 50% Sangiovese and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon.
• 🌿 This wine is produced from biodynamically grown grapes, and it is also released as a vegan wine.

Palate profile

Producer

Avignonesi, established in 1974 by the Avignonesi family in Montepulciano, Italy, has a rich history rooted in the region's winemaking traditions. In 2009, Belgian entrepreneur Virginie Saverys acquired the estate, transforming it into a leader in biodynamic viticulture. Under her guidance, Avignonesi expanded to 175 hectares of vineyards and achieved organic certification in 2016 and biodynamic certification in 2019. The winery is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, producing wines that authentically reflect the unique terroirs of Montepulciano and Cortona.