Gran Passaia Rosso Toscana 2019

The SuperTuscan category has pumped a ton of new life and enthusiasm for winemaking in Tuscany and brought new players into the mix. Today’s wine is one of those newbies that you’re going to want to lock in while it’s still at the price it is.

I tasted the Gran Passaia Rosso Toscana 2019 last week in a line up of a dozen Italian wines. It was a random assortment of Chianti Riservas, Gran Seleziones and a few Tuscan blends, and this one kind of stole the show.

Funny enough, I tasted it with a paper bag over it. A lot of the time that this happens, it’s because an importer wants me to taste a wine without being influenced by the label. I could especially see why with this one as it has its ‘big ol’ 96-point score right there on the front of the bottle. They must’ve gotten the score before they imported it and figured this was how they’d win over American consumers. Heck, they won me over and I never even saw the score.

What this is, is a juicy, silky smooth and seamless blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. It’s made with a slow fermentation and light drying of grapes which I think all of that helps to make this a softer, more elegant style blend. That or the bright Sangiovese fruit that comes shining through. It’s a garnett/violet color with ripe red fruit, with hints of vanilla oak and a touch of baking spice.