At a glance

Producer

Tenuta Sette Cieli

Region

Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Red blend (Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon)

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60-$90

Tasting profile

Ripe dark fruit (black cherry, blackberry), plum, hints of violet, tobacco, baking spice, cedar, fine earth, and graphite; seamless oak integration.

Evolution: Secondary notes of leather, cocoa, truffle, and forest floor developing as it continues to mature. Fruit will slowly yield to more umami, balsamic, and earthy nuances.

At peak: A harmonious, complex, and savory super-Tuscan with melting tannins, layered spice, and a persistent finish. Impressive vitality for 15+ years.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-high

Tannins

Firm, polished, youthful but integrated

Alcohol

14.0-14.5% ABV

Aging potential

Excellent; ~15-18 years from vintage in strong vintages

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2030

Optimal window

2022 to 2034

Current status

Entering peak

Current condition

Structured, developing tertiary notes, but still fresh and vibrant; will improve and hold for another 8-10 years.

Indaco is a flagship 'Super Tuscan' blend built for ageability, combining structure (from Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec), plushness (from Merlot), and balancing acidity. The pedigree vintage (2016) was excellent in Tuscany, giving wines purity and longevity. Best years are 2024-2030, but top bottles well-kept will impress through 2034 or longer.

Food pairing

Ideal with grilled Tuscan steak (bistecca alla fiorentina), slow-braised lamb shanks, aged Pecorino, wild boar ragù pasta, roast game, or hearty mushroom risotto.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Allows full aromatic development and softening of tannins in this structured young wine. Decanting brings out secondary complexities.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Tenuta Sette Cieli farms organically: no synthetic herbicides or pesticides, use of natural fertilizers, cover crops for biodiversity, and soil preservation. Emphasis on low yields and manual work. Limited use of water for irrigation, and solar energy for some operations. Winery has implemented lightweight glass bottles and recyclable packaging.

Sette Cieli distinguishes itself with honest, hands-on organic viticulture—certified and rigorously upheld. While not biodynamic, their sustainable ethos includes biodiversity, soil health, and minimal intervention. Energy programs are positive but not industry-leading, and there are continuing improvements in packaging. The greatest sustainability limiter is international shipping, common among iconic Tuscan 'Super Tuscans.' Overall, Sette Cieli's Indaco is a sustainably produced, low-impact wine by European standards, with an opportunity for further climate and community initiatives to raise its sustainability level to the highest tier.