Avignonesi, Toscana Rosso IGT (Tuscany, Italy) Sangiovese 2019

 When a respected, traditional winery in southern Tuscany is acquired by a French-educated Belgian lawyer named Virginie Saverys, you know the times they are a-changing.  Among other changes, Avignonesi now boasts a new, state-of-the-art winemaking facility.  Under Saverys’ watch the estate has also become a leader among Italy’s biodynamic wineries, and the wines are also vegan.  Da-Di, Chinese for “Earth-Soil,” shows beautifully ripe and rich red fruits (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, plums) and an immensely satisfying finish.  The wine was vinified in terracotta vessels.