Experience the pinnacle of Tuscan winemaking with Tenute del Cabreo Il Borgo Toscana, a legendary "Super Tuscan" blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot that has captivated wine enthusiasts since its debut vintage in 1982. Crafted from meticulously cultivated vineyards in the Chianti region, this full-bodied red boasts a luxurious harmony of bold black fruit flavors like cherries and black currants, accented by velvety hints of leather, tobacco, and herbs. Aged in French oak barrels for 16 months and further refined with six months in the bottle, Il Borgo offers a polished, silky texture with fine tannins and a lingering, elegant finish. Perfect for pairing with hearty meat dishes and fine cheeses, this wine embodies the artistry of Italian winemaking with a balance of strength, finesse, and remarkable aging potential.
Process & Profile
Tenute del Cabreo Il Borgo Toscana is a distinguished "Super Tuscan" wine that blends Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot in nearly equal parts. Sourced from the prized vineyards of Zano and Montefioralle in the Chianti region, the wine draws its complexity from stony soils and high-altitude terroir, ideal for cultivating grapes with intense flavors and aging potential. The meticulous production process involves fermentation at controlled temperatures with extended maceration, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged for 16 months in French oak barrels and further refined in bottles for six months before release, ensuring a polished and mature character.
Tasting Notes
This wine delights the senses with a deep ruby hue and moderate viscosity. The aromas are an elegant interplay of black cherries, orchard plums, leather, and subtle notes of earth and forest floor. On the palate, it offers a full-bodied yet refined experience with luscious flavors of ripe dark fruits like black currant and plum. Secondary notes of olive, black pepper, and hints of cigar box enhance its complexity. Silky tannins and a lingering finish make this wine both bold and harmonious.
What Makes It Special
Cabreo Il Borgo Toscana is a testament to over 40 years of Tuscan winemaking excellence. As one of the pioneering "Super Tuscans," this wine exemplifies the ambitious blending of traditional Sangiovese with non-indigenous varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Its layered structure is a reflection of the Chianti region's unique terroir—soils rich in schist and clays—and the Folonari family's centuries-old expertise in crafting celebrated wines. With its aging potential of up to 30 years, it is truly a wine of elegance, longevity, and exceptional finesse.
How to Enjoy
Tenute del Cabreo Il Borgo Toscana is versatile yet sophisticated, pairing beautifully with hearty meat dishes such as roasted lamb or beef tenderloin, as well as aged cheeses. For an elevated tasting experience, decant the wine for 30 minutes to unlock its full aromatic potential and serve it at approximately 18°C (64°F). Whether enjoyed at a celebratory feast or sipped among friends, this wine promises a luxurious and memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tenute del Cabreo Il Borgo?
Tenute del Cabreo Il Borgo is a premium "Super Tuscan" wine produced by the Folonari family. It features a historic blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, crafted from vineyards located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. The wine debuted in 1985 with its 1982 vintage and is renowned for its rich body, complexity, and aging potential.
What are the key characteristics of Cabreo Il Borgo?
This wine has a deep ruby color with purple reflections. It offers aromas of cherries, raspberries, dark fruits, and hints of chocolate, vanilla, and tobacco. It showcases a velvety texture with well-balanced tannins, making it refined and elegant.
What is the aging potential of Cabreo Il Borgo?
Cabreo Il Borgo has an impressive shelf life of up to 20–30 years, thanks to its carefully crafted structure and the use of oak barrel maturation.
What food pairings work best with Cabreo Il Borgo?
The wine pairs beautifully with a variety of meat dishes, such as roasted lamb or beef, as well as aged cheeses. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to Tuscan-inspired recipes or can be enjoyed on its own with friends.
What makes Cabreo Il Borgo a "Super Tuscan"?
"Super Tuscans" are innovative blends that often step outside the traditional Chianti regulations. Cabreo Il Borgo blends Sangiovese with international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, creating a wine with unique depth and elegance.
Where are the vineyards located, and how does the terroir affect the wine?
The vineyards are situated near Greve in Chianti, at an elevation of 984 feet, on stony soils ideal for producing concentrated, complex grapes. This terroir contributes to the wine's rich flavors and excellent structure.
When is the best time to consume Cabreo Il Borgo?
While it is enjoyable upon release, the wine's complexity and aging capability allow it to develop further nuances over the years. For those who appreciate aged wines, it is ideal to wait 10-15 years for optimal maturity.
Can I visit Tenute del Cabreo for wine tasting?
Yes, wine-tasting experiences are available at the Borgo del Cabreo estate. Visitors can explore the oak barrel cellars, taste multiple wines, and enjoy local Tuscan delicacies in a serene vineyard setting. Reservations are recommended.
What is the wine's blend composition?
The blend consists of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 33% Sangiovese, bringing together the best qualities of each varietal to create a harmonious wine.
How is Cabreo Il Borgo produced?
The wine undergoes fermentation at controlled temperatures with extended maceration to enhance its body, texture, and color. After fermentation, it is matured in oak barrels and aged further in bottles before release, ensuring depth and complexity.