50&50 (2005)

About this wine

The 2005 50&50 Avignonesi & Capannelle is a collaboration between two esteemed Tuscan wineries, combining 50% Sangiovese from Capannelle and 50% Merlot from Avignonesi. This vintage presents a deep ruby red color with garnet reflections, indicating its maturity. On the nose, it offers aromas of ripe red fruits like cherries and plums, complemented by subtle hints of sweet spices such as vanilla and chocolate, a result of its aging in French oak barriques. The palate is full-bodied and well-structured, with soft, well-integrated tannins that support a round and persistent flavor profile. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving lingering notes of spice and toasted oak. This wine exemplifies the synergy between Sangiovese and Merlot, showcasing the best attributes of both varietals in a single bottle.

About the grape

In 1988, the owners of Avignonesi and Capannelle, two renowned Tuscan wineries, collaborated to create a unique wine by blending equal parts of Sangiovese and Merlot, resulting in the 50&50 wine. Sangiovese, a grape deeply rooted in Tuscany, is known for its bright acidity and red fruit flavors, contributing structure and vibrancy to the blend. Merlot, cultivated by Avignonesi in Montepulciano, adds softness and depth, balancing the Sangiovese's characteristics. This partnership not only showcases the harmony between these two varietals but also highlights the friendship and shared vision of the two wineries.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 50&50 wine was born in 1988 from a friendly dinner between the owners of Avignonesi and Capannelle, who decided to blend their best wines, resulting in a unique 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot composition.
• 🏰 This wine is a collaboration between two renowned Tuscan wineries: Avignonesi, located in Montepulciano, and Capannelle, situated in Gaiole in Chianti.
• 🏆 The 2005 vintage of 50&50 received high praise, with Wine Spectator awarding it 91 points, noting its wonderful perfume of sandalwood and berries, and a full-bodied profile with polished, velvety tannins.
• 🛢️ The 50&50 wine undergoes meticulous aging, with each varietal aged separately in French oak barriques before blending, followed by additional aging to achieve harmony and complexity.
• ⚖️ The name '50&50' reflects the equal parts blend of Sangiovese from Capannelle and Merlot from Avignonesi, symbolizing the perfect balance between the two varietals.

Palate profile

Producer

Avignonesi, established in the 16th century by the noble Avignonesi family, is renowned for its commitment to biodynamic viticulture and the production of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. In 2009, Belgian entrepreneur Virginie Saverys acquired the estate, transforming it into Italy's largest biodynamic winery. Capannelle's story began in 1974 when Raffaele Rossetti purchased a 16th-century villa in Gaiole in Chianti, planting vineyards with local grape varieties. In 1988, Capannelle collaborated with Avignonesi to create the iconic '50&50' wine, blending Sangiovese and Merlot.