The Avignonesi & Capannelle 50&50 is one of Tuscany's most enduring and celebrated wines, born from a unique partnership between two esteemed Tuscan domaines: Avignonesi and Capannelle. Since its inception in 1988, this equal blend of Merlot and Sangiovese has captured the imagination of wine enthusiasts worldwide, offering a perfect marriage of two varietals that embody the richness and elegance of Tuscan terroir.
In this article, we explore the quality and character of various vintages of 50&50, analyzing how climatic conditions, winemaking techniques, and the unique identities of each estate contribute to the evolution of this celebrated wine.
A Vintage Comparison: The Evolution of Avignonesi & Capannelle 50&50
2020 Avignonesi & Capannelle 50&50
The 2020 vintage reflects the challenges of a hot growing season. This wine delivers a rich bouquet dominated by dark fruit, yet the intense heat seems to have softened the distinct characteristics of the Merlot and Sangiovese, making their identities less pronounced. On the palate, the wine displays medium weight and intensity. While it is approachable now, its best drinking window spans 2024 to 2033. Robert Parker (RP) awarded this vintage 92 points, highlighting its solid craftsmanship despite climatic hurdles.
2019 Avignonesi & Capannelle 50&50
Hailed as a standout year, the 2019 vintage showcases the balance achieved in a season that combined warmth with well-timed rainfall. The Merlot from Avignonesi contributes opulent fruit weight and velvety softness, while the Sangiovese from Capannelle lends structure and aromatic complexity. This vintage offers layers of blackberry, sweet tobacco, and spice, underpinned by remarkable textural richness. With a broad drinking window from 2023 to 2038, it has garnered critical acclaim, including 94 points from James Suckling and Wine Advocate, positioning it as one of the finest iterations of 50&50 wine.
2018 Avignonesi & Capannelle 50&50
The 2018 vintage is a testament to a harmonious growing season that allowed the grapes to achieve full ripeness under optimal conditions. The wine expresses classic Tuscan elegance, with dark cherry, dried blackberry, and hints of spice framed by mineral undertones. It strikes a balance between austerity and richness, making it a quintessential representation of Old World style. Rated 93 points by Robert Parker, the 50&50 Capannelle & Avignonesi 2018 is best enjoyed between 2022 and 2033.
According to Wine-Searcher, Lambier Wines offers the 50&50 Capannelle & Avignonesi 2018 at the best price in Europe and the USA, priced at €63.15 with worldwide delivery.
2017 Avignonesi & Capannelle 50&50
The 2017 vintage faced significant climatic challenges, including spring frost and prolonged drought. Despite these hurdles, the wine reveals ripe red fruits, black cherry, and sweet spices, with a balsamic finish of mint and thyme. The concentrated nature of this vintage results in a rich and round palate, with James Suckling awarding it 93 points. The 2017 is a testament to the winemaking skill required to preserve balance in extreme conditions.
2016 Avignonesi & Capannelle 50&50
The 2016 vintage is widely considered a classic. Cooler conditions allowed for slow, even ripening, resulting in sharply delineated black fruit flavors, with notes of plum, spice, and leather. This vintage emphasizes elegance and precision, earning 94 points from Robert Parker. Its drinking window (2021–2030) positions it as a wine of notable longevity, appealing to those who value complexity and balance.
2015 Avignonesi & Capannelle 50&50
The 2015 vintage, while delivering bold flavors of dark cherry and tobacco, falls slightly behind its successors in freshness and vibrancy. It is a robust wine, best enjoyed within a shorter timeframe (2020–2027), and received 89 points from critics.
Craftsmanship Across Vintages: From Vineyard to Bottle
The meticulous winemaking process begins with hand-harvested grapes. The Merlot, sourced from Avignonesi's Lodola estate in Montepulciano, undergoes 20–25 days of maceration in 225L oak barriques. The Sangiovese, cultivated in Capannelle’s vineyards in Gaiole in Chianti, rests in a combination of barriques and 30hl wooden vats, ensuring each varietal's distinct qualities are preserved and elevated.
Conclusion
From the powerful 2019 vintage to the elegant 2018 and 2016 editions, the 50&50 Avignonesi & Capannelle wine continues to showcase the best of Tuscan winemaking. Its ability to adapt to diverse climatic conditions while retaining its identity is a testament to the collaboration between these two legendary estates.
For wine collectors and enthusiasts, securing the 50&50 Capannelle & Avignonesi 2018 at €63.15 from Lambier Wines represents an excellent opportunity to experience this iconic blend. With a legacy spanning decades, the Avignonesi Capannelle 50&50 stands as a beacon of craftsmanship, blending tradition with innovation.