From: Tuscany, Italy
Varietal: 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Taste: In the glass, the wine is a deep ruby red color, with intense aromas of dark berries, black cherry, and ripe plum. These fruit notes are complemented by subtle hints of leather, tobacco, and spice, which add complexity to the wine. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with a velvety texture and well-structured tannins. The initial flavors are dominated by blackberry and black cherry, with hints of raspberry also present. As the wine opens up, additional layers of complexity emerge, including notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. The wine's finish is long and elegant, with a pleasing acidity that balances the wine's rich fruit and tannins.
Pairing: This luxurious red wine pairs well with a variety of dishes, from hearty meat dishes to vegetarian options. This wine's bold and complex flavors make it a versatile pairing choice that can complement a range of different flavors and textures.
When it comes to regional specialties, the 2019 Uccelliera Rapace Toscana Rosso would be an excellent match for classic Tuscan dishes such as Bistecca alla Fiorentina (grilled T-bone steak), Osso Buco (braised veal shanks - keep going for the recipe!), or Pappardelle al Cinghiale (pappardelle pasta with wild boar ragù). These rich and flavorful dishes are a natural match for the wine's bold fruit flavors and well-structured tannins.
For vegetarians, the 2019 Uccelliera Rapace Toscana Rosso pairs well with hearty vegetable dishes such as Eggplant Parmigiana, Mushroom Risotto, or Lentil Stew. The wine's full-bodied texture and complex flavor profile can provide a perfect counterpoint to the rich, earthy flavors of these dishes.
Another vegetarian pairing option would be a cheese plate featuring aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano. These sharp and flavorful cheeses are a natural match for the wine's bold fruit flavors, and can help to balance the wine's tannins.
Pressure Cooker Osso Buco
By Melissa Clark
About. The 2019 Uccelliera Rapace Toscana Rosso is a wine that perfectly exemplifies the excellence of the Tuscan wine-making tradition. Uccelliera is a small, family-owned winery located in the heart of the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, in Tuscany, Italy. The winery was founded in 1986 by Andrea Cortonesi, who decided to pursue his passion for wine after completing his studies in oenology.
Uccelliera produces a range of wines, including the highly sought-after Brunello di Montalcino, which is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes. The winery's approach to winemaking is rooted in a deep respect for the land, a focus on traditional techniques, and a dedication to achieving the highest levels of quality.
The Rapace Toscana Rosso is a relatively new addition to Uccelliera's portfolio, having only been produced since 2015. The wine is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which are sourced from vineyards outside the Brunello di Montalcino appellation. The name 'Rapace' means 'raptor' in Italian, and it was chosen to reflect the wine's bold, powerful character.
This unique wine from a boutique Brunello di Montalcino producer is made of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, at elevations of 150-350 meters on well-exposed hill slopes south-east of Montalcino. Maturation takes place in small French oak barrels for a minimum of 18 months, with further bottle aging for a minimum of 6 months before released for sale. It is named Rapace, which is a 'bird of prey' such as an eagle or a hawk. 'Proprietor Andrea Cortonesi fashions big, full-bodied wines from his vineyards in the southern part of the Montalcino zone. He represents the finest of the artisan approach to making wines in Montalcino.' -- The Wine Advocate
The 2019 vintage in Tuscany was characterized by ideal weather conditions, resulting in a healthy and bountiful harvest of perfectly ripe grapes. This vintage produced wines with excellent structure, complexity, and flavor. We’ve included Tom Hyland’s Tuscan vintage report for 2019 below.
2019 Vintage report via Tom Hyland for Italian Wine Report. While winter was relatively normal, the climate fluctuated for much of the growing season, with a cold and rainy April and May that slowed down budbreak by more than 10 days. This was followed by a very hot (over 100° F) and dry June; hotter than average temperatures continued throughout the summer, and drought conditions existed until the end of July. Temperatures slowly returned to normal after that, and harvest took place from September 5 and ended during the first few days of October. Cool temperatures marked the second half of September, resulting in grapes with great freshness. As only a few Bolgheri reds have been released at this point, it is difficult to give this vintage a final rating; however, most producers are ecstatic about the wines in 2019, as they have excellent ripeness, very good acidity and beautiful varietal purity, as well as impressive structure. The top Bolgheri Superiore wines have the potential to be long-lived (25 years plus) and thus are at this juncture, rated as exceptional.