2023 Tenuta di Biserno Colle Mezzano Di Biserno

2023 Tenuta di Biserno Colle Mezzano di Biserno is the latest gem from Tenuta di Biserno and demonstrates how the next generation, under the leadership of Niccolò Marzichi Lenzi, is further developing the estate. Hailing from a secluded terroir north of Bibbona and dominated by Cabernet Franc, Collemezzano combines the Mediterranean richness of the Tuscan coast with striking refinement, freshness, and elegance. The impressive first vintages make it immediately clear that this is a future classic in the making.

Tenuta di Biserno

Tenuta di Biserno belongs to the absolute elite of Tuscany. The estate was founded by Lodovico Antinori, one of the founders of the famous Super Tuscans and the man behind the success of Ornellaia. Today, the new generation, led by Niccolò Marzichi Lenzi, is at the helm. The philosophy remains unchanged: making wines in which elegance, terroir expression, and precision take center stage.

For more information about Tenuta di Biserno, please refer to the Winery tab.

Collemezzano di Biserno

Colle Mezzano di Biserno is one of the estate's most characterful and terroir-driven wines. The grapes come from a separate estate that was added to Tenuta di Biserno in 2019. The vineyards are located approximately ten kilometers north of Bibbona at an altitude of 80 to 120 meters, with a southwest exposure and a view of the sea. The clay-sand soils, rich in alluvial pebbles, ensure excellent drainage and give the wine its characteristic combination of power, finesse, and minerality.

The blend consists of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the exact proportions tailored for each vintage to optimize the expression of the terroir. In 2023, Cabernet Franc plays a leading role, significantly determining the aromatic profile and refined structure of the wine.

The 2023 volume

The 2023 immediately ranks among the most impressive introductions of recent years in Tuscany. Antonio Galloni even calls the wine a possible blueprint for the future of Biserno and praises the combination of richness, elegance, and liveliness. James Suckling is also particularly enthusiastic and awards the wine 98 points, immediately placing Colle Mezzano among the great Tuscan icons.

Vinification

After temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks, a skin maceration of three to four weeks follows to achieve maximum finesse and structure. Subsequently, the wine ages for twelve to sixteen months in French barriques, partly new, followed by a minimum of twelve months of bottle aging before the wine is released onto the market. This long maturation ensures an exceptional harmony between fruit, wood, and terroir.

Scent, taste and character

The wine has a deep ruby red color with purple reflections. On the nose, it opens with blackcurrants, red cherries, graphite, eucalyptus, Mediterranean herbs, cedarwood, and balsamic notes. These are followed by nuances of cocoa, sweet spices, forest floor, and a refined mineral touch.

On the palate, Colle Mezzano is rich and impressively refined at the same time. Silky tannins support a core of dark fruit, graphite, cocoa, and subtle wood notes. The Cabernet Franc lends the wine extra tension, aromatic refinement, and a strikingly fresh structure, while Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon provide depth and roundness.

The finish is long, mineral, and elegant, with a distinctive salty note typical of the Tuscan coast and the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea. The balance between power and finesse makes this wine particularly impressive even now, while at the same time it possesses excellent aging potential.

Professional reviews

The international wine press is unanimously praising the first vintages of Collemezzano. James Suckling awards 98 points and commends the velvety tannins, the great harmony, and the impressive depth. Antonio Galloni rates the wine 94-96 points and calls it one of the most exciting new developments within Tenuta di Biserno. According to Galloni, it is precisely the dominant role of Cabernet Franc that gives the wine its exceptional elegance, and this cuvée offers a promising glimpse into the future of the estate.

Drinking window and food and wine pairings

The 2023 Colle Mezzano di Biserno develops optimally between 2029 and 2043, but thanks to its perfect balance and refined tannins, it will also provide great pleasure at a younger age.

Preferably serve the wine at 16 to 18°C.

Excellent with côte de boeuf, grilled beef, game, slow-cooked stews, rack of lamb, truffle dishes, and aged hard cheeses. Even without food, this is an impressive wine for meditation.