Arcanum: An ode to Cabernet Franc
A plot-by-plot approach
Part of the Jackson Family Wines group since 1994, the Arcanum label from Tuscan estate Tenuta di Arceno highlights Cabernet Franc as a monovarietal expression.
Winding up the olive-lined avenues of the southernmost part of Chianti Classico in the locality of Castelnuovo Beradegna, the Bordeaux varietal Cabernet Franc has found a unique expression under the shared vision of winemakers Pierre Seillan, Lawrence Cronin and vineyard manager Michele Pezzicoli.
PHOTOS: Supplied by Tenuta di Arceno
Published monday 21st september 2026
Just 1.2 hectares of this Bordeaux variety were first planted at Tenuta d Arceno in 1998; in 2026 vineyard area planted to Cabernet Franc spans a total of 17ha. From the very outset, the philosophy at this celebrated Tuscan estate has been guided by a micro-cru approach in both the vineyard and winery, paired with an increased investment in state-of-the-art winemaking equipment.
Emphasis has always been placed on the distinctive character of the 12 individual plots, as Cronin explains, ‘All these 12 blocks of Cabernet Franc are great – and, more importantly, different. One with more minerality, one with higher or lower acids, bright or dark fruit, one voluptuous, one linear – a dream to blend’.
The Cabernet Franc vineyard plots span a range of exposures, altitudes, and soil types, offering a true blending palette of opportunities in the winery. Key vineyards include L’Apparita (planted 1998); Belvedere (2004); and most recent plantings with the Campi vineyard (2018).
Cronin explains the burgeoning success of Cabernet Franc as follows, ‘In this area, Cabernet Franc has a goldilocks timing for ripening ...not too early ...not too late...just right. It resists the heat in the hot years, and gets ripe in the rainy cool years. It is ripe, either before the rains come or before botrytis sets in – if it does rain. So little by little Cabernet Franc is becoming a perfect “Supertuscan” choice.’
Behind the label: Arcanum
Cabernet Franc defines Tenuta di Arceno’s flagship Tuscan IGT red, Arcanum. Much like the estate itself, the wine’s name is a nod to the estate’s rich history and early settlements. ‘Arceno’ and ‘Arcanum’ derive from the Etruscan word ‘archè’ which roughly translates as ‘point of origin’. Indeed, an Etruscan oven has even been discovered in the Tenuta di Arceno vineyards, where it still lies today.
Early vintages of Arcanum are adorned with a label depicting Etruscan relief panels; more recent labels depict the estate’s iconic faun statue which dates to the 1700s. This statue still stands proudly at the estate today – a further weaving of the rich history to be found in this area of Chianti Classico.
‘Point of origin’ is also a fitting name in the sense that the estate’s vineyards are located at the intersection of two key Tuscan rivers: the Ambra and the Ombrone.
Arcanum 2012
71% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot.
Deemed a vintage with great ageing potential, 2012 saw a warm summer balanced by a cool harvest period. On the palate, chocolatey, mocha notes with a hint of eucalyptus lined by a welcome moreish acidity. Chewy, clay-like tannins, inky red and black fruit with a minty lift. Alc 14%
Three vintages to discover
Arcanum 2014
60% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot.
A rainy vintage, often considered one of the more herbal expressions of Arcanum, but with grapes mostly picked prior to the rains. Plush on the palate, notes of mocha and black tea leaves and chewy tannins. Good acid profile, with hints of the characteristic Cabernet Franc bell pepper notes and leafy asparagus, herbal, umami and artichoke nuances. Alc 14.5%
Arcanum 2020
100% Cabernet Franc.
This is the fifth vintage that Arcanum has been made as a single-varietal Cabernet Franc. Showcasing a bright linearity and perfumed, high-toned red fruit. Purple-hued in the glass, and moreish chalky tannins. Fresh high acidity from this cooler 2020 vintage, considered a good year for the variety. The wine sees 12 months in 80% new French oak. Alc 14.5%
Discover more: tenutadiarceno.com
A turning point: The 2016 vintage
Arcanum was initially a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Since the 2016 vintage, however, Arcanum has become an elegant monovarietal expression of Cabernet Franc sourced from 12 different sites, with a careful selection in the vineyard and blending process in the cellar. The result? Elegant, ageworthy reds that offer clear vintage expression and a distinctly Tuscan take on this beloved international grape variety.
Whereas in the past Cabernet Franc had difficulty reaching full ripeness in this area of Chianti Classico, the variety has shown great resilience and adaptability in the face of an ever-evolving climate. The ability to blend from parcels grown at different altitudes also has allowed the winemaking team to preserve freshness in the wines in hotter years.
Asked what it is that makes Cabernet Franc distinctive at Tenuta di Arceno, Cronin explains, ‘We try to create an experience of layers that reflects the 12 blocks, a voluptuous palate, deep fruit flavours giving way to brighter fruit and the classic dried herbal tones. We seem to have a minerality in the finish that is often difficult to find in Cabernet Franc’.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH tenuta di arceno
Wines available via Jackson Family wines USA; UK importer: Fells
Explore the history of the Tenuta di Arceno estate through the evolution of its Arcanum releases: from Bordeaux blend to single-varietal expression.
'In this area, Cabernet Franc has a goldilocks timing for ripening ...not too early ...not too late...just right.'
—Lawrence Cronin, winemaker
'We try to create an experience of layers that reflects the 12 blocks, a voluptuous palate, deep fruit flavours giving way to brighter fruit and the classic dried herbal tones.'
—Lawrence Cronin, winemaker
Arcanum was initially a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Since the 2016 vintage, however, Arcanum has become an elegant monovarietal expression of Cabernet Franc sourced from 12 different sites, with a careful selection in the vineyard and blending process in the cellar. The result? Elegant, ageworthy reds that offer clear vintage expression and a distinctly Tuscan take on this beloved international grape variety.
Whereas in the past Cabernet Franc had difficulty reaching full ripeness in this area of Chianti Classico, the variety has shown great resilience and adaptability in the face of an ever-evolving climate. The ability to blend from parcels grown at different altitudes also has allowed the winemaking team to preserve freshness in the wines in hotter years.
Asked what it is that makes Cabernet Franc distinctive at Tenuta di Arceno, Cronin explains, ‘We try to create an experience of layers that reflects the 12 blocks, a voluptuous palate, deep fruit flavours giving way to brighter fruit and the classic dried herbal tones. We seem to have a minerality in the finish that is often difficult to find in Cabernet Franc’.
