Muscardini Cellars "Tesoro" Italian Red Blend 2019
Muscardini Cellars "Tesoro" Italian Red Blend 2019
California, United States
Share
-
Tasting Notes
The 2019 Muscardini Cellars Tesoro Red Blend is a California take on the Super Tuscan-style of wine. A blend of 52% Sangiovese, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 22% Syrah. Showing a deep, dark crimson color and it has a nose of ripe cherry and blackberry, layered with enticing oak spice, vanilla, and hints of caramel. Flavors are rich and bold, showcasing juicy black cherry, plum, and cassis, sage, cinnamon, black pepper, and dark chocolate, complemented by earthiness and woodsy undertones that linger on the finish. The palate has a smooth, velvety texture and providing just enough spice without overpowering the fruit.
With its balanced structure, smooth tannins, and bright acidity, the 2019 Tesoro is enjoyable now and pairs beautifully with hearty dishes. Prime rib, short rib, or a rich beef stew would enhance its complex flavors, making this a versatile choice for varied cuisine -
Story
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Sonoma Wine Country, Muscardini Cellars beckons wine enthusiasts to experience the essence of California winemaking. Founded by Michael Muscardini, whose passion for the art of winemaking traces back to his Italian heritage, this boutique winery stands as a testament to the fusion of old-world tradition and new-world innovation. Inspired by his ancestors' winemaking legacy, Michael crafts wines that reflect his personal ethos: to be enjoyed with food, friends, and the joy of living. From the sun-drenched vineyards to the intimate tasting room housed in a historic red schoolhouse along Highway 12, every aspect of the Muscardini Cellars experience is imbued with a sense of warmth, hospitality, and authenticity. Step through the door and into a world where the magic of winemaking comes to life. Here, visitors are invited to savor Muscardini's portfolio of wines, each a reflection of the winemaker's meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality. From barrel tastings to intimate events featuring live music and food pairings, every visit to Muscardini Cellars is an opportunity to connect with the winemaking process and the stories behind each bottle. Whether you're exploring the artistry of Muscardini's Italian varietals or indulging in a reserve tasting in the intimate Library Room, every sip is an invitation to share in the passion and vision of Michael Muscardini. So come, raise a glass, and join us on a journey of discovery and delight at Muscardini Cellars.
-
Somm Notes
A Super Tuscan is a high-quality Italian red wine from Tuscany that blends traditional grapes like Sangiovese with non-native varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah. These wines emerged in the 1970s when winemakers rejected strict Italian wine regulations to create innovative, bold, and complex wines. Originally classified as basic "table wines," they are now labeled under the more flexible IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) category.
Super Tuscans are known for their rich flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, leather, and spices, often enhanced by oak aging. Iconic examples include Sassicaia, Tignanello, and Ornellaia, which showcase the balance of traditional Tuscan elegance with modern winemaking creativity.
To honor his family heritage of drinking fine red wines in Italy, Michael Muscardini uses the revered Italian varietal Sangiovese as the core grape in his proprietary red blend, Tesoro (“Treasure” in Italian), a take on the Italian “Super Tuscan”. To add a personalized touch and a California twist to the finished wine: the other half of the blend is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, two noble red grape varieties from France, which perform extremely well in the rocky soils and warm climate conditions in Sonoma Valley.
-
Region
California’s winegrowing regions are renowned for their diverse climates, soils, and growing conditions, making them ideal for cultivating a wide range of red grape varieties. The state benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Coastal regions like Sonoma and Monterey are influenced by ocean breezes and fog, preserving acidity and enhancing complexity, while inland areas such as Napa and Paso Robles experience warmer temperatures and significant day-night temperature shifts, promoting ripe fruit flavors and balanced acidity.
Soil diversity further defines California’s terroir. From the volcanic soils of Napa to the sandy loams of Lodi, each region imparts distinct mineral qualities to the wine. Ample sunlight and a long growing season allow grapes to ripen fully, leading to fruit-forward red wines with bold flavors and notable aging potential. Key varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Rhone-style blends, each thriving in specific microclimates across the state.