This is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon. The Manincor 2017 Cassiano is a fleshy and darkly concentrated expression with dark fruit, prune, blackberry and crème de cassis. Spice, cedar wood and campfire ash appear as delicate layers at the back. With its soft tannins accompanied by its rich, fleshy mouthfeel, this is a nice red for marinated, grilled steak tips.

The Cabernet family aromas are very strong in this intricate blend of 40% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, 8% Syrah, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Tempranillo. The 2016 Cassiano is a darkly concentrated red that shows firm notes of dark berry fruit and blackberry. The tight tannins offer a nice texture. I think it's going to do even better in a few years. Production is 28,000 bottles strong.

The 2011 Cassiano is an IGT blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc with smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo and Syrah. The bouquet delivers a touch of rusticity with vinous aromas of barrel and cantina that recall the winemaking process. It takes a few minutes for the wine to settle in the glass. Once it does, you are greeted by blackberry, wet earth and dried tobacco. There’s a sweet touch of chewy fruit on the finish.