At a glance

Producer

Ampelo

Region

Toscana IGT, Italy

Grape variety

Malvasia Nera

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$22-30 (USD, retail, market average as of 2024)

Tasting profile

Red cherry, dried fig, tea leaf, leather, subtle floral and herbal notes, with tertiary development

Evolution: Originally fruit-forward and spicy, now showing earthy, savory character, dried herbs, secondary notes

At peak: Best condition was during 2015-2018; now more evolved, complex aromas, declining freshness

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Soft, integrated, beginning to mellow further

Alcohol

13.5% (typical for Malvasia Nera from Tuscany)

Aging potential

Past peak; not recommended for further cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2015 to 2018

Optimal window

2013 to 2020

Current status

Approaching end of optimal drinking window

Current condition

Fully mature, may begin to show tertiary development and fading fruit. Risk of decline if cellared longer.

Malvasia Nera from Tuscany is best enjoyed in the 5-10 year window after harvest due to moderate structure and acidity. At fourteen years, the wine will emphasize savory and evolved characteristics, with more fragile fruit and a risk of loss of vibrancy.

Food pairing

Braised lamb, mushroom risotto, Tuscan salumi, hard sheep cheeses, aged pecorino.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Organic viticulture, use of solar panels for winery electricity, drip irrigation system, lightweight recycled glass bottles, recyclable cork and labels; cover cropping to support biodiversity

Ampelo estate is ICEA-certified organic since 2009, verifying no synthetic herbicides or pesticides are used. Sustainable farming includes solar energy use and water-saving systems, reducing environmental impact. Packaging is eco-friendly, but the carbon footprint increases with export, particularly to non-EU destinations. Overall, the practices are forward-thinking for a small estate in Tuscany, but not zero-carbon; hence a sustainability score of 7/10.