Turpino 2017 is a mosaic of three noble grape varieties perfectly acclimatised to the unspoilt shores of Maremma that undeniably bears Querciabella elegant signature.
Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni, always the visionary, has always been a firm believer in the Maremma potential to produce fine wine. In 1997 he and his father acquired 18 hectares of coastal vineyards nestled in the lee of the stunning Uccellina Hills – a national park – which separate the estate from the unspoilt shores of the Tyrrhenian sea. With a further acquisition in 2002, we almost doubled the vineyard area to the current 33 hectares.
From the onset, the idea was to produce a superior wine that could encapsulate everything that this region stands for: a pristine environment, a new frontier, a chance to do something different and exciting. As soon as the biodynamic approach started to bear fruit and our vines were mature enough to produce viable grapes, experimentation with various blends began to show the true depth of character these iron-rich, alluvial soils could confer. This is how Turpino was born.
In search of the perfect blend
When we set roots in Maremma, our goal was to experiment with grape varieties and winemaking practices in a spirit of exploration and excitement typical of Querciabella. The first vintage of Turpino was the result of continuous improvements, increased experience with biodynamics and overall better knowledge of the local terroir. Still striving for the perfect blend, the first Turpino bottling was made in 2007 (but never released), mainly using Maremma-borne fruit with the addition of some unused grapes usually destined for our top cuvées – Camartina and Palafreno.
In 2010, the year of Querciabella vegan conversion to plant-based biodynamics, we finally agreed on 40% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot. Vintage after vintage, by reducing and finally eliminated from the blend the grapes from Chianti, we have let Turpino’s evocative coastal character fully emerge.
Turpino 2017 is one in only five vintages ever released
The inaugural vintage of 2010 coincided with one of the finest on the coast, and the quality convinced us this was a venture definitely worth pursuing. Only produced in the best years, Turpino 2011, 2013 and 2015 were also stunning winemaking successes. Therefore, the release of a new bottling is always filled with much anticipation.
This rather eclectic mix of grapes turns out a wine of great breed, distinction and capacity for a long and graceful evolution in bottle and is a fabulous success.
— John B Gilman · A view from the Cellar
Querciabella signature elegance seals the 2017 vintage
Turpino represents coastal fine wine at its most exciting; full-bodied and juicy but with that restrained elegance that is the hallmark of Querciabella. The 2017 vintage is one of the driest on records. The scarcity of rain, a cold winter, and a long, hot summer limited bunches and berries development but kept disease pressure low. Thanks to near-perfect autumn conditions, we harvested healthy grapes with vibrant profiles and depth, making it a fine start for an enticing wine.
In his review, James Suckling praises Turpino 2017 (93/100) for its voluptuous body, the variety of ripe flavours as well as firm texture. According to Antonio Galloni, the poise and fine frame of Turpino 2017 are surprising given the personality of the year.
Turpino 2017 embodies the house style at Querciabella these days nicely. The wine is rich and deep, but not at all overdone.
— Antonio Galloni · Vinous (95/100)
Generous yet poised, Turpino is a brilliant food-friendly wine
Fermentation in wooden vats and barrel ageing confers a gentleness to the spicy balsamic notes of the grape blend. It gives the wine body, finesse and a beguiling length of finish on the palate. With tangy acidity to balance the ripe fruit, Turpino manages to be both generous and restrained at the same time, making it a great food-friendly wine.
Turpino velvety tannins demand food of substantial structure and depth of flavours. At the same time, the wine’s delicate earthiness opens the door to many suitable pairings. The Cabernet Franc in the blend loves the spotlight when paired with vegetables, and it lights up when there are herbs in the dish. On the other end, the Syrah, with its deep, rich fruit profile and crunchy spiciness, is a desirable partner for fresh seasonal ingredients.
Turpino 2017 is available in different formats, from 0,75 litre to 6 litres, from the 26th of March 2021.
