Avignonesi Grifi

Avignonesi Grifi

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Grifi was produced between 1983 and 1996. It is born from two late-ripening grape varieties, one Italian, the other French. An incredible blend where the freshness of Sangiovese blends perfectly with the backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • The Sangiovese is sourced from our vineyards in Montepulciano, which produce a spicy, elegant wine, and the Cabernet Sauvignon comes from our plots in Cortona and Montepulciano, lending tannins and structure to the wine. To facilitate the encounter of these two varieties, the grapes are harvested and fermented together.
  • The encounter of these two noble, yet very different varieties, inspired Avignonesi to adopt the griffin on the label. The griffin can be found on the coat-of-arms of both towns: a mythical creature made of two regal animals, a lion and an eagle, symbols of power on earth and in the air.

Varietal: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Sangiovese

Elaboration: Separate vinification for the two varieties in stainless steel vats using indigenous yeasts selected from the estate’s pied de cuve. Alcoholic fermentation with maceration on the skins lasted 25-30 days. Aged at least 18 months in oak casks and barriques

Tasting Notes: Dark ruby red in colour with purple hues. The nose opens with hints of blueberries, blackberries and incense, moving on to graphite and vanilla nuances. In the mouth it is dense, broad and complex with hints of plum and blueberry. It then evolves into a balsamic and spicy explosion supported by good acidity. The lively tannin on the whole palate accompanies the savory and persistent finish.

PRESS

2019 – 93 Wine Enthusiast

2020 – 93 Wine Spectator | 93 James Suckling

2021 – 94 James Suckling

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

A love for Tuscany and wine brought owner and winemaker Virginie Savery to Montepulciano, Tuscany, where she purchased 20% of Avignonesi in 2007, completing the entire winery’s purchase in 2009. Spending two years in Bordeaux, this wine consumer learned winemaking. Being a detail-oriented attorney who brokered deals for her well-known Belgian shipping family, she brought a skillset and a vision of eliminating herbicides and pesticides from all phases of production to her new business.

Savery’s goal was to marry consumer education, organic and biodynamic agriculture, and sustainable distribution systems. She provides English lessons to her workers’ children to enhance employability as adults. Avignonesi uses naturally-occurring yeast in their vegan wines, earning the Benefit-Corp Certification in 2022 for their efforts of being stewards of the land, mitigating impact, and being socially and environmentally responsible.