Falesco Marciliano Umbria 2010
The Data
Country Italy
Appellation Umbria
Varietal Red Blend
Retail Price $50
ABV 14%
Score 4 Stars/93 points
In the Glass
Appearance
Deepest, densest ruby to purple color.
Aromatics
The nose is just as dense as the color offering scents of ripe black fruits with a generous dose of earth and mineral, cigar box, cassis, dark roast coffee beans, and oak.
Flavor
The palate echoes the nose delivering a concentrated black fruit core with layers of spice, earth, and oak cask with thick and chewy tannins rising on the finish.
Intensity & Texture
This is a big wine, full-bodied to be sure with generous fruit and spice notes enveloped with firm and chewy tannins that nearly require a fork.
Cool Factor
I'm a huge fan of the Falesco wines and I have yet to find a wine in their stable that didn't have a point of view and their Marciliano is no exception.
Value Grade
This won't make anyone's bargain list but it's a damn fine bottle of wine from a producer with pedigree that also makes some of the world's greatest wine bargains so I'm fine with the fancy $50 offerings.
Analysis
Marciliano is made exclusively with grapes from the vineyard of the same name in the heart of Umbria. It's a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc fermented in stainless steel and then aged in French barriques (225 liter oak casks) for 16 months. Marciliano was first introduced in 1999 and it has always been a rare wine. In 2010 just 500 cases were made. This is a classic example of these classic French varietals thriving in central Italy.
How to Enjoy
This wonderful Cabernet needs nothing but a glass but its bold flavors and vibrant acidity call for grilled and braised meats.