After the rich and more concentrated 2017 vintage, the 2018 Merlot Cabernet Franc Altrovino comes off as more specific to the grapes used in the blend. It shows light shadings of garden herb and spice that come from the Cabernet Franc (which is aged in terracotta amphorae), and those flavors are enhanced by the cherry and blackberry delivered by the Merlot. This is a beautifully pure expression, one of the clearest I remember in recent memory. The wine pours forth with dark fruit, spice, tilled earth and cured tobacco.

The 2017 Merlot Cabernet Franc Altrovino is an equal blend of the two grapes, aged partially in wooden barrels, whereas only the Cabernet Franc goes into terracotta amphorae. The amphorae method is the overall direction the Duemani team is taking with this wine, following the very personalized style of proprietor Luca D'Attoma. There is a fullness and volume here that is pronounced clearly and directly. This is a very nice, velvety and soft red to reserve for an aged steak.

This is another great wine from Duemani. The spiciness from the wood is just right in the 2016 Merlot Cabernet Franc Altrovino, while the color and texture of the wine are both a bit gentler compared to other offerings from this producer. The wine has a slightly thinner mouthfeel and a more accessible style, but this is still a loyal and very enjoyable presentation of these two French varieties.

This is among the wines I most admire from winemaking duo Luca D'Attoma and Elena Celli. The 2015 Merlot Cabernet Franc Altrovino is an austere red blend made without barrique. Instead, this vintage marks the first edition in which Tuscan clay amphorae plays a role as do large cement vats. Only a small percentage of the wine (15%) is aged in terra-cotta, but the wine's personality has been noticeably changed. This unique approach allows for more fruit expression and you certainly get that loud and clear in this wine. There is a wild, untamed and brambly element to the bouquet with forest floor, dark berry fruit, grilled herb and scorched earth. The wine shows a sharp and edgy personality that will soften with another year of bottle aging.