Baracchi O’Lillo Toscana 2019
Baracchi O’Lillo Toscana 2019 is a classic Super Tuscan blend. Consisting of equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah. First, the ruby-core shows depth and elegance. Next, the aromas are led by fleshy red and black fruit, with complex notes of tobacco, cedar, and truffle. While on the palate, a bounty of black cherry and plum is carried on tightly knit tannins.
Finally finishing with spice notes lingering into the long finish. Asa result, another excellent Cortona red from the Baracchi family! Drink now–2028.
At under $20: it doesn’t get any better than O’Lillo
91JS | The Baracchi O’Lillo Toscana 2019 has aromas of dried cherry, wet earth, and terracotta. It follows through to a full body, layered and chewy tannins, and a flavorful finish. Drink now.
Read more about Red Gems under $35
As under $20 Super Tuscans go, it doesn’t get any better than “Baracchi O’Lillo Toscana IGT Rosso 2016. It was the previous vintage of O’Lillo that floored Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and James Suckling and catapulted it to the world stage.
Stefano Chioccioli – 100 point winemaker!
Both winemaking pedigree and location are crucial to excellence, and Baracchi’s got both. Winemaker Stefano Chioccioli’s bottles have impressed Robert Parker and Wine Spectator to the tune of 100-point scores and earned more than 70 Tre Bicchieri awards.
The Baracchi family has owned their land in Cortona—the same rolling hills that served as the setting for Under the Tuscan Sun—since 1860. The family took note in the 90s as Piero Antinori set the Italian wine market on fire with his Tignanello blend. But while some Super Tuscan producers rode the wave of popularity, investing primarily in sales and marketing, the Baracchis put their money into their vineyards.
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Add to that his pick of brilliant fruit from Tuscany. Hence, it’s no wonder that his O’lillo Super Tuscan is a critical darling. And with such winemaking prowess at hand, one might expect owner Riccardo Baracchi would have raised prices accordingly. But just as had been the case during the early days of the Super Tuscan craze, Riccardo remained a downside player. Here’s why.
The Baracchi O’Lillo Toscana 2019 Vineyards: the land of Sassicaia and Solaia
In 1971, the first vintage of Sassicaia debuted — a 1968 Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon drawn off a small vineyard in Bolgheri. That same year saw Piero Antinori craft his first “Tignanello.” Next came Solaia and then Ornellaia. By the early 1990s, these four “Super” Tuscan reds were among the most sought-after and expensive wines in Italy.
Piero’s neighbors took careful note, particularly Riccardo Baracchi, who was fully aware of Tuscany’s Antinori-inspired cash-flow bonanza. But rather than raising overhead costs on labeling and marketing efforts, Baracchi zeroed in on Antinori’s clonal and vineyard protocol.
On each of his three properties — the sandy soils of San Martino, the clay and chalk of Gabbiano, and the classic limestone and clay of Montanare — Baracchi planted Bordeaux varieties that were best suited to each terroir.
Of course, he continues to be the critical darling of Tuscany’s under-$20 Super Tuscan category. Yet he holds firm on prices, refusing to inflate his stupendous IGTs. There’s nothing left to do but say, “Thanks,” and stock up before it’s all gone.
