Deep ruby color; black cherry, plum, raspberry, blackberry, dried cranberry, chocolate, white pepper, sweet spices on the nose and palate.
Dry; dusty, tasty tannins; medium-plus acidity (3.59 pH; 5.2 g/L TA). Full body. Easy drinker with classic Bordeaux blend fruit flavors and impressively long finish. Blend of 35% merlot, 35% cabernet franc, 25% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot. The 2021 vintage was ideal in the Chianti Classico region with adequate rainfall to buffer a hot, dry summer that included noticeable diurnal shifts to encourage the good acidic backbone to this wine. 15% ABV
The website notes: “il fauno di Arcanum is a Bordeaux-style blend that embodies the diversity of the estate and is sourced primarily from the Arceno di Sotto, La Curva, Colombaio and San Giovanni blocks. Located in the lower southwest section of the estate, in a warmer, exposed subsection that ripens early, the soils possess a significant amount of clay, with good water retention, and produce wines that tend to be more voluptuous and lush.
“The faun statue on the estate has become a symbol for the winery. It inspired the name for il fauno and is featured on the label. The faun itself is a being that is half human-half animal. It expresses a duality into a unity—two natures in one body—in the same way that Tenuta di Arceno has embraced the dual expressions of DOCG and IGT wines into one style. It represents the coming together of two separately existing beings in the birth of something different—a new reality, derived from existing traditions, that represents greater possibility.”
Founded in 1994, Tenuta di Arceno—Estate of Arceno—is part of the Jackson Family Wines group. The winery is located in the Castelnuovo Beradenga commune near the medieval village of San Gusme in the southernmost edge of the Chianti Classico appellation where wine has been made for more than 3,000 years. The estate covers 2,500 acres of rolling hills and includes 220 acres of vines and 124 acres of olive trees. Established in 1998, the vineyard focuses on Chianti’s signature sangiovese grape. It also grows smaller percentages of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc. The vineyards are distinguished by a remarkable diversity of elevations, aspects, soils, and microclimates, which perfectly fits winemaster’s Pierre Seillan’s approach to wine.
Seillan is the vigneron and winemaster. His career started at his family’s estate in Armagnac, France. He spent time in the Loire Valley, then 20 years in Bordeaux. The brand book notes: “His time in Bordeaux led him to discover ‘micro-crus’ as Pierre refers to them, and they became the basis of his philosophy of winemaking. At Tenuta di Arceno, Pierre works closely with his Italian team. He believes his job is to respect tradition, but also to do his part to enhance it.” The micro-cru philosophy divides each vineyard block into smaller sections based on the individual terroir. Each micro-cru is tended, harvested, and vinified separately and only come together in the final blending of the wine.
Lawrence Cronin, who grew up in New York City always aware of his family’s Italian heritage, has been the winemaker since 2002, working with Seillan. Michele Pezzicoli is the vineyard manager. He has been with the estate since 1995 and has been key to developing Tenuta di Arceno’s sustainable vineyard program.
Tenuta di Arceno Il Fauno di Arcanum Toscana IGT 2021 is excellent, easy-going Bordeux-style blend from the Chianti Classico region of Italy. The operation is part of the Jackson Family Wines group, an assurance of both quality and availability in the U.S. This is a substantial wine that is just entering its prime drinking years. Inviting, approachable, delightful. $38-45
Pairing—Beef dishes, grilled ribeye, Florentine steak, braised short ribs, beef tenderloin, veal chops. Tuscan specialties—pappardelle with wild rabbit ragù, wild boar ragu; rich pasta dishes with meat sauces. Herb-roasted turkey, chicken cassiatore. Grilled salmon with balsamic glaze. Ratatouille, lentil shepherd’s pie, grilled vegetables with herbs. Cheese—Parmigiano-reggiano, pecorinoo Romano, pecorino Toscano; brie, blue stilton; aged gouda, sharp cheddar.
