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First of all: some identification detail.

vino nobile di montepulciano

vino nobile di montepulciano

What is Vino Nobile, why and where…

 

  • Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is one of the most important italian red wines. It is produced in Toscana (central Italy) and -more specifically- on Colli senesi area (province of Siena town).
  • “Vino Nobile di Montepulciano” is the (fantasy) name of the wine: it made from Sangiovese (red) grape, the notorious grape of this region (Tuscany). Sangiovese is the grape of many important red od the region, such as Chianti and Chianti classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano: same grape, different clones.

(Prugnolo gentile is the clone used for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano)

  • Do not mix it up with another important italian red (Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, made of Montepulciano grape and produces in Abruzzo region).
  • It matures 2 year in cellar before being commercialized (3 year for the Riserva version).

On February, as usual for all zones and wines of Tuscany, the “Anteprima” event takes place here also in this production area of Montepulciano, also thanks to the Consorzio to give the possibility to try the last vintages included the very last one which is not available on the market yet…

This week end I have been at the historical “Fortezza” to try some. Here is the list of the ones I have preferred even if I could not have the all unfortunately!

Great value for money for this historical winery: the recognisable label (which seems written by hand) does not disappoint both with its Vino Nobile and with the basic line “Rosso Fanetti”! I loved 2010 with notes of blueberry, blu flowers and hints of liquorice in the final, as well as the 2013 vintage, still young but kind of smooth..

Many people suggested me their wines, I think I know why: they are, first of all, very pleasant and easy drinking. Absolutely coherent with each other. The Merlot (used only for the basic “Rosso di Montepulciano”) make it easier. Bluberry is their fil rouge. I liked their 2012 vintage that I found deep and more complex.

This cooperative includes different brands, the one I have preferred is “Vecchia Cantina”, especially the Riserva 2011, more complete, integrated and with a mineral touch.

For sure, one of my favorite ones on this occasion! The quality is very good on the entire line: the wines are elegant and pleasant, round and persistent; among the others I like to underline Vino Nobile Riserva 2011 with a small percentage of dried grapes which make it even rounder! Moreover Salco 2089 a wine obtained mixing 2 different vintages: 2008 and 2009, that I would just defined as special: fruity and floreal with a spicy touch too!

A well known winery of the area which confirms its reputation with its Asinone, easy, pleasant, available only in the best vintages!

A family of lawyers which has decided to change business! They are growing a lot and the wines are absolutely well done. I loved the Riserva 2010!

Another well known brand which deserve a good attention: I have been impressed by their “basic” Rosso (vintage 2014): the best I have had on this occasion! The basic Rosso, in general, is meant to be an easier wine, lighter and fresh, many producers do not manage to make it (I guess they fear to be not “important” enough). Avignonesi Rosso is exactly what it is meant to be: light, fresh, easy with a wonderful touch of red fruit!

 

I’ll be happy to go and visit the area to integrate this list soon!

 

 

 

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