Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2020

Located in the heart of Tuscany, the vineyards for this cuvée stretch around Montepulciano, across the clay-limestone and sandy hills overlooking the Val di Chiana. Avignonesi's parcels benefit from moderate altitudes, favorable temperature variations, and diverse exposure, all of which promote slow and even ripening of the grapes. The soils, rich in marine sediments and minerals, impart to the wine its elegant character, pronounced acidity, and a particularly precise expression of the local Sangiovese, known here as Sangiovese Grosso or Prugnolo Gentile.

The grapes are hand-harvested, carefully sorted, and then destemmed before spontaneous alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and concrete tanks, accompanied by gentle pump-overs to extract color and structure. Maceration lasts several weeks to refine the tannins. After racking and malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for an extended period in oak barrels of varying sizes, supplemented by large containers, to preserve the expression of the Sangiovese while adding complexity and harmony to the texture.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry , black fruit , and plum , complemented by floral touches of violet, spicy nuances of pepper and licorice, and subtle woody accents reminiscent of cedar and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and juicy, supported by lively acidity , fine yet structured tannins , and a silky texture that lingers on a long, fresh, and slightly mineral finish, marked by a persistent return of red fruit.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!