Il Fauno di Arcanum 2022

This expressive Super Tuscan red wine originates from Italy, produced in the southern hills of the Chianti Classico zone within the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany. Tenuta di Arceno is an ancient estate with winemaking roots dating back to the 16th century, managed today under the ownership of Jackson Family Wines alongside renowned international winemaker Pierre Seillan (of Château Lassègue in Saint-Émilion and Vérité in Sonoma). Named after the mythological statue of Faunus located on the property, Il Fauno di Arcanum is crafted as a classic Bordeaux-style blend with a Tuscan soul, grown on diverse estate soils ranging from clay-limestone (albarese) to stony river gravels and sandstone.

Wine Description

In the glass, the 2022 Il Fauno presents a vibrant, deep ruby-purple color. The expressive nose opens with enticing aromas of ripe red plum, wild blackberry, and black cherry, interwoven with notes of crushed violets, dried thyme, tobacco leaf, cocoa, and subtle toasted oak spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, smooth, and supple, offering a lush entry dominated by dark fruit flavors that transition into a structured mid-palate framed by fine-grained, velvety tannins and a bright streak of natural acidity. The blend typically features Merlot and Cabernet Franc, complemented by smaller percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Hand-harvested micro-lots are vinified separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel before aging for approximately 10 to 12 months in French oak barrels (around 20% to 30% new). The alcohol by volume sits at 14.5%.

Food Pairing

The supple fruit volume, fine tannic structure, and savory Tuscan herbal character of this Bordeaux blend make it an exceptional table companion. It pairs magnificently with grilled ribeye steak, roasted rack of lamb with rosemary, Tuscan-style wild boar ragù over pappardelle, slow-braised beef short ribs, and duck breast with a berry reduction. It also harmonizes beautifully with eggplant parmesan, wild mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses like Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or sharp Gouda.

Vintage Quality

The 2022 growing season in Castelnuovo Berardenga was warm and dry, favoring early-to-mid-ripening varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Franc, which achieved complete phenolic maturity while retaining good natural acidity. The vineyard team's careful canopy management protected the fruit from extreme heat, resulting in wines with rich fruit concentration and polished, approachable tannins. The 2022 Il Fauno di Arcanum offers immediate charm, lush texture, and expressive aromatics upon release after decanting, while holding the structural balance to age comfortably in the cellar over the next 8 to 12 years.