The 2021 Mazzei Philip is a striking 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from vineyards in both Chianti Classico and Maremma along Tuscany's sun-drenched coast. It's a wine that, much like its namesake, bridges two worlds—rooted in Tuscany while honoring a man whose legacy helped shape America.
Before we dive into the glass, let's raise one to an extraordinary man.
Today we're featuring the 2021 Mazzei Philip Cabernet Sauvignon, a Tuscan wine that feels especially fitting as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary. At first glance, an Italian Cabernet may seem like an unusual choice for Independence Day—but hear me out.
The wine is named after Philip Mazzei, a Tuscan physician, merchant, viticulturist, and one of the more fascinating figures of the American Revolution. Born in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1730, Mazzei met Benjamin Franklin while living in London. Inspired by the ideals of liberty, he became a passionate advocate for American independence on both sides of the Atlantic. Along the way, he developed close friendships with Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
In fact a phrase from his 1774 writings—"All men are by nature equally free and independent"—is widely believed to have helped inspire Jefferson's immortal words, "All men are created equal," in the Declaration of Independence.
But Philip Mazzei wasn't just a revolutionary thinker—he was a also a vingneron.
In 1773, at Jefferson's invitation, Mazzei sailed to Virginia carrying grapevines, olive trees, farming equipment, and a team of Tuscan vignerons. Jefferson granted him land adjacent to Monticello, where Mazzei established Colle, planting some of the first European wine grapes in America. While the Revolution interrupted his ambitious plans, his efforts laid the foundation for what many consider the earliest serious attempt at commercial viticulture in the United States.
Now, back to the wine.
The 2021 Mazzei Philip is a striking 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from vineyards in both Chianti Classico and Maremma along Tuscany's sun-drenched coast. It's a wine that, much like its namesake, bridges two worlds—rooted in Tuscany while honoring a man whose legacy helped shape America.
Rich aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar, tobacco, and Mediterranean herbs lead into a palate layered with dark fruit, graphite, baking spice, and polished tannins. Powerful yet refined, it's a Cabernet that balances Old World elegance with the bold character that lovers of great Cabernet appreciate.
This Independence Day, we're raising a glass to Philip Mazzei—a pioneer of both liberty and wine—and to a bottle that beautifully connects the histories of Italy and America. Cheers to 250 years. 🍷🇺🇸