Astoria, Icona Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022
Astoria, Icona Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 13%
- Cabernet Sauvignon
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A generous Cabernet Sauvignon with an intense perfume of black and red fruits leading onto a herbaceous, well rounded and balanced palate with ripe, velvety tannins. Pairs perfectly with red meats, especially lamb.
This unoaked Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted for immediate enjoyment, with its ripe black and red fruit flavours at their peak now. The velvety tannins will soften slightly over the next 2-3 years, though the wine's herbaceous character and balanced structure will remain constant. Drink by 2030 to capture its youthful vibrancy and generous fruit expression.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C without decanting to preserve the fresh fruit character. A large Bordeaux glass will allow the generous perfume to develop properly.
The 2022 growing season in Veneto brought considerable challenges, with extreme heat and prolonged drought testing even experienced growers. Summer temperatures soared well above average, whilst rainfall remained scarce through the crucial ripening months. Many producers implemented careful canopy management and adjusted harvest timing to preserve freshness, with picking often beginning earlier than usual to maintain acidity levels. The lack of rain concentrated flavours but also reduced yields across the region, from the Prosecco hills of Valdobbiadene to the Amarone vineyards of Valpolicella.
Despite the demanding conditions, 2022 produced wines of surprising quality and character. Glera for Prosecco retained good aromatics and brightness where growers managed the heat stress effectively, though volumes were down. The red varieties fared particularly well - Corvina and Rondinella developed excellent concentration for future Amarone, whilst maintaining the structure needed for long ageing. Pinot Grigio and Soave's Garganega showed more weight than typical, with ripe fruit flavours balanced by mineral undertones. The Proseccos are drinking beautifully now, whilst the reds destined for Amarone production will need their traditional extended drying and ageing process.
FAQs
Why is this Cabernet Sauvignon unoaked?
The unoaked style preserves the pure fruit expression and herbaceous character typical of Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a more accessible wine that can be enjoyed immediately without the tannin structure that oak ageing would add.
How does this compare to oaked Cabernet Sauvignon?
Without oak influence, this wine emphasises fresh black and red fruit flavours rather than vanilla, spice, or toast. The tannins remain soft and velvety, making it more approachable in its youth than heavily oaked counterparts.
What makes the tannins 'velvety'?
Velvety tannins indicate they are ripe and well-integrated, providing structure without harsh astringency. This suggests careful vineyard management to achieve optimal phenolic ripeness at harvest.
Should I cellar this wine?
This style is designed for near-term consumption rather than long-term cellaring. The fresh fruit character and balanced acidity make it ideal for drinking now through 2030.
What's the best serving temperature?
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the generous fruit perfume to express fully while maintaining the wine's fresh, balanced character. Too warm and the alcohol may dominate; too cold and the aromatics will be muted.
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