Since taking over Avignonesi in 2009, Virginie Saverys has transformed the estate into one of Tuscany’s leading names in organic and low-intervention viticulture. But she’s also opened the cellar doors to creativity. Sales director Alessio Guidi had long dreamt of making small batches of biodynamic wines with a juicy, free-spirited edge—and with The Juice Asylum, he’s finally been given free rein.
This wine, Il Terzo Grado 2022, is made from organically grown sangiovese (86%) and merlot (14%), sourced from vineyards in Montepulciano and Cortona at 275–375 metres elevation. Soils are a mix of clay, sand, silt and limestone. The grapes were hand-harvested, partly whole-cluster fermented with carbonic maceration, and aged in stainless steel for 6 months. Bottled unfiltered.
The Juice Asylum – Il Terzo Grado 2022 (Classica)
The result is a riot of red berries, peppery spice and wild herbs, lifted by violets, liquorice root and a touch of bitterness. The texture is supple and alive, with juicy tannins and a savoury undercurrent that makes it both gluggable and thought-provoking.
Chill it slightly, serve with grilled quail, game birds or aged cheese—or just drink it with someone who’ll understand the chaos.