About Desiderio
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- $50-63
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
Avignonesi's flagship Super Tuscan, a 100% Merlot named after a bull that once lived on the estate's Le Capezzine property. A wide aromatic bouquet of cherry and plum jam, black tea, rhubarb and graphite leads into an enveloping, deep palate with silky tannins, closing on notes of coconut and black pepper. Aged around 20 months in French oak barriques.
Desiderio proves that Tuscany can produce world-class Merlot — plush, spice-laced, and every bit as age-worthy as a right-bank Bordeaux.
New to wine?
A rich, plush introduction to Tuscan Merlot — approachable fruit character with enough structure to reward cellaring.
Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with braised short ribs, wild duck, and aged pecorino. The velvety tannins also complement dark chocolate desserts.
When to drink it
Special-occasion dinners, red-meat centered menus, cellar-worthy gifting
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Merlot from the estate's Le Capezzine vineyards near Cortona, previously labeled Cortona DOC and now Toscana IGT. Aged approximately 20 months in French oak barriques (225L), contributing spice, tobacco and chocolate notes; built to age gracefully for decades.
About the producer
AvignonesiItaly's largest biodynamic estate, revered for its legendary Occhio di Pernice Vin Santo.Visit the producer page →More wines from Avignonesi
- Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano Occhio di PerniceSweet · Prugnolo Gentile · Mammolo
- GrifiRed · Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile) · Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vino Nobile di MontepulcianoRed · Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese)
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva Grandi AnnateRed · Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) · Cabernet Sauvignon
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape variety is Desiderio made from?
- Desiderio is a 100% Merlot from Avignonesi's Le Capezzine estate near Cortona in Tuscany.
- Why is it called Desiderio?
- It is named after Desiderio, a bull that lived on the Le Capezzine estate over a century ago, and was revived as a wine name by the estate's current owners.
- What does Desiderio taste like?
- Cherry and plum jam aromas with black tea, rhubarb and graphite notes, a deep and enveloping palate with silky tannins, and a finish of coconut and black pepper.
- How long can Desiderio age?
- It is built to age gracefully for decades thanks to its 20 months of French oak barrique aging and concentrated structure.
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