Lodai by Tenuta Fertuna is proof of how an international grape variety can find a second home in the Maremma, taking on a distinctly Tuscan identity shaped by sun, Mediterranean scrub and sea breezes. We are in Grilli, in the province of Grosseto, in a stretch of land where nature still holds a certain authority. The name "Lodai" is not a modern invention, but a direct reference to the history of the place: it refers to a specific area of the estate that, even on ancient maps, was identified as particularly suited to producing high-quality grapes. Toscana Rosso IGT, this designation gives producers the freedom to interpret Cabernet Sauvignon without the constraints of stricter regulations. While we are often used to finding Cabernet Sauvignon in blends, here we discover it in its most authentic and standalone expression. The grape reveals all its structural power, yet thanks to the Maremma terroir it loses some of its sometimes excessive vegetal edge, gaining roundness and aromatic richness. It is a wine that needs no “support” from other varieties to convince, as it already has everything it needs in its DNA. After vinification, the wine rests for 12 months in French Allier oak tonneaux. The choice of 500-litre barrels, a mix of new and second/third fill oak, allows for slow micro-oxygenation. This process smooths the tannins without masking the fruit with excessive vanilla notes. Once blended, the wine rests for a further 6 months in bottle before release, ensuring it reaches the glass ready to be enjoyed at its best. Deep, impenetrable ruby red in colour; on the nose, it reveals a complex bouquet of ripe red fruits leading into notes of pink pepper, dark chocolate and sweet tobacco. A rich, full-bodied profile that lingers long in the memory. On the palate, it is a revelation of balance. Acidity and tannins move hand in hand, woven into a dense texture that evolves sip after sip. Despite its powerful structure, elegance remains the guiding thread, making it extremely enjoyable to drink.