2014 Cosimo Maria Masini Sincero

Region: San Miniato < Tuscany < Italy
Grapes: Sangiovese (85%), Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified biodynamic farming, granite soil, 35ppm SO2 at bottling
Winemaker: Francesco De Filippis

After acquiring this historic property in the Tuscan province of Pisa 16 years ago, the Masini family dove directly into biodynamic farming. Grapes grow alongside wheat, veggies, ducks, chickens and olives among other things, as they believe this integrated farming and the strong ecosystem it creates is critical to the health of the vines. Hand-harvested grapes, no added chemicals except a tiny amount of SO2 at bottling, aging in large wooden vats – the production is seriously old-school. But the wine, Sincero, meaning “honest” in Italian, is definitely not dusty. It’s lively, bright and fresh, with a pop of juicy cherry and plum. For everyday drinking, especially good as a preparation wine (i.e., one that you sip while preparing your meal).