Caberlot, by Carnasciale gets the lion’s share of the spotlight. I’m not - insert dad joke - lion, as it should.

But they have other gems… Much more affordable, like this second label, also 100% Caberlot(!) while at a price you simply can’t say no to, with accolades like 96 Points from Wine Spectator proving it’s cut from the same cloth as its big brother. Il Caberlot is $165 on Wine Spies today (best price anywhere, of course) but it’s seen upwards to $300 normally mostly because of scarcity and demand; this beauty offers that same winery’s watchful hand for $100 less per bottle.

Wine Advocate has the story, “The Il Carnasciale 2021 Carnasciale is a 100% expression of a grape called Caberlot, and this is the only estate I am aware of that makes a commercial wine with it. You won’t find much information on the internet, but apparently, it was identified in 1975 in the Colli Euganei in northern Italy and was planted in the Emilia-Romagna region. The name ‘Caberlot’ is a so-called ‘fantasy’ name, and DNA testing links it to Cabernet Franc (some say it’s crossed with Merlot). The grape ripens late, in the last week of September, and at least 10 days after the Merlot for Petrolo’s Galatrona (just down the hill) comes off the vines.”

Ahem, that 2021 Galatrona goes for double this, also rated 96 points by Wine Spectator but is nowhere nearly as unique! Intense aromas of blackberry, rose petal, and pine needle follow through to a palate that’s moderate in weight, showcasing ultrafine tannins and a long, caressing finish. With a super silky mouthfeel, this gorgeous wine will pair effortlessly with beefier gems of Tuscan cuisine. What a steal!

Then there’s The World of Fine Wine explaining “Il Caberlot is released only in magnum, though since 2013 a few 75cl bottles, “demi-magnums,” have been produced for restaurants only. It is a small-production wine - around 2,000 magnums are produced each year, as well as around 8,000 bottles of its second wine, Il Carnasciale.”

Thus…

Just a tiny bit more of “Baby Caberlot” makes it into the country, so time is of the essence to own some.

96 Points – Wine Spectator “Exuding black currant, blackberry, violet, licorice, and iron flavors, this pure red is racy and well-delineated. Harmonious and persistent, offering a long aftertaste that picks up a salty taste along with the fruit, this is simply radiant. Caberlot. Best from 2026 through 2045. 815 cases made, 150 cases imported.”