Le Cupole 2016
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
The second label of Tenuta di Trinoro, Le Cupole was first produced in 1995. It is a Bordeaux blend, full of fleshy, bright fruit, extracted tannins, and rich color.
2016 was such an uncertain season, and yet the results are exceptional wines. The clue to this vintage was to recognize the long August’s burn, hidden behind the rains – at the season’s break, the storms were just revitalizing thirsty grapes. We welcomed the rain every time, instead of picking before it arrived: that was the way we brought in a great harvest.
This year’s Cupole has a deep violet color, with pronounced aromatics of tomato leaf, black pepper, black fruit, spice, and violets. The wine is medium-to-full bodied, with velvety tannins and juiciness from its well-integrated acidity. The notes of black fruits and spice are persistent on palate, and there’s just that touch of bitterness on the finish so characteristic of Italian wines, adding a dimension of sapidity.
REVIEWS
Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, 91 points: “Trinoro’s 2016 Le Cupole is bold, in your-face and unapologetically rich. It’s also a fabulous value from Trinoro and proprietor Andrea Franchetti. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, chocolate, new leather, spice and menthol build into a crescendo of aromas and flavors as this bold, flamboyant wine shows off its alluring personality. There is nothing subtle about Le Cupole, but it is undeniably delicious.”
Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 92 points: “Lush and expressive, this red offers plum, black cherry, leather, iron and smoke aromas and flavors. Backed by muscular tannins, but finds equilibrium on the long, fruit-filled aftertaste. Best from 2021 through 2030.”
International Wine Report, 93 points: “The 2016 ‘Le Cupole’ is a fantastic showing from Andrea Franchetti. The second wine from Tenuta di Trinoro, this is composed of 42% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, which begins with seductive aromas of blackberries and dark currants come together with tobacco, smoke, violets, graphite, spices and savory herbs that all develop in the glass. On the palate this possesses a full body with a gorgeous voluptuous texture, supported by round, beautifully polished tannins that glide effortlessly across the palate. It displays wonderful balance and concentration as flavors of ripe dark fruits, sweet spices and sweet pipe tobacco continue to expand onto the long finish. This is one of the finest values from all of Italy.”
PRODUCTION
58,100 bottles (4,842 cases)
BLEND
42% Cabernet Franc
40% Merlot
14% Cabernet Sauvignon
4% Petit Verdot
