Vino Nobile

Rich and dense ruby red, open and accessible nose with beautiful blackberry fruit, light tea notes in the background. Also in the taste a beautiful fruit, reminiscent of ripe, dark cherries, then hearty tannin and a round finish. You simply can't get more classic Vino Nobile for this price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe berry and cherry aromas with some vanilla undertones. It’s full and juicy with a big palate and a creamy finish. Layered, if a little old-school." James Suckling

Discreet ruby red with light reflections. Warm, well-dosed bouquet of wild berries, cherries and some smoke. On the palate, fine-meshed tannin, plus lots of juice and fruit, floral and spicy notes, compact. A fine salty vein in the harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. In the nose first after red beet and slightly earthy nuances, then after rich cherries and ripe raspberries, slightly resinous, fine spice. Compact and present on the palate, opens with a juicy core and tight tannin, shows fine wood spice, with persistence." Falstaff

"Juicy and elegant, this offers bright red cherry, dried thyme, wild rose and orange peel. Finessed, clinging tannins are decidedly chalky in texture. Mid-weight and mouth cleansing, it finishes with an almost grapefruit tang. Winemaker Giuseppe Rigoli says that even ripening allowed the estate to pick Sangiovese at full phenolic ripeness in the first week of October. Though Merlot only ever makes up a small percentage of the blend, there is even less than usual as the vines were hit with downy mildew." Decanter

"Camphor, forest berry and rosemary aromas shape the enticing nose on this fragrant red. Elegantly structured, the lithe palate offers sour cherry, orange zest and star anise alongside fine-grained tannins and bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Intense ruby red Vino Nobile Riserva with a spicy bouquet of aromas of dried fruits, cinnamon, cloves and liquorice. Smooth on the palate with diverse nuances, beautiful fullness, structure and intensity, supple tannins. Very elegant pleasure at an excellent price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, noble ruby red. The nose is appealing, fragrant, with ripe raspberries underpinned by a hint of peppermint, a pinch of lovage and light leather in the aftertaste. Firm and sturdy on the palate, with a red berry core and tight tannin, it pulls finely across the tongue, very classic, with a considerably juicy finish." Falstaff

"Rather than hailing from a single vineyard, Gracciano delle Seta’s Riserva is a harvest selection. In 2017, the grapes were picked about a week earlier than usual. Initial aromas of prune cake and sweet spice speak to the warmth of the vintage, freshening up as fennel and lavender take hold. The fruit is plush but not heavy, and elevated by an underlying juiciness. Soft tannins give a gentle grip on the finish." Decanter

"Aromas of red berry, rose and camphor slowly expand in the glass to include accents of dark spice. Supremely elegant, the lithe, savory palate features juicy black cherry, raspberry compote and licorice before closing on a ground cinnamon note. Taut, fine-grained tannins provide polished support." Wine Enthusiast

Salcheto's garnet-red sparkling Vino Nobile delights us with fragrant dried plum and a hint of cinnamon and clove. On the palate, much present fruit, fine, sweet melting in the long finish. An authentic and pleasantly elegant organic wine from the heart of the Montepulciano region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Appealing bouquet of black cherries and herbs; powerful texture, the acidity invigorating and in harmony with the tannins, finishes long. Convinces with its powerful fruity style. Goes well with game dishes." Vinum

"Brilliantly shining garnet red. At first smell, rich spicy notes of rosemary, black olives and cedar, then ripe blueberry and cassis. Fills the mouth completely, presents itself in a stoffig woven tannin dress, with good structure, compact, pithy, with some persistence in the finish." Falstaff

"A core of black cherry, plum and blueberry fruit is augmented by earth, tobacco and rosemary in this chunky red, which is balanced, with a light granular quality to the tannins. The herb elements linger, along with the fruit." Wine Spectator

"Salchetto’s launching pad Vino Nobile is crafted from the estate’s organically farmed 15 hectares and is the choicest selection of grapes. Appealing from the get-go, this 100% Sangiovese smells of summer’s bounty with cherry, plum, blackberry and strawberry. Hints of flint, iron and garden herbs provide nuance. The palate is fruit-laden but not heavy, and there is lovely freshness. Dry, linear tannins are sandy in texture and speak to the wine’s serious side." Decanter

"This superb estate is basically a guarantee of great, delicious wines, even in difficult vintages as this savory red proves. It opens with heady aromas of wild berry, truffle, blue flower and dark spice while the racy, polished palate features juicy strawberry, blood orange, licorice and cocoa. It's balanced and focused, with vibrant acidity and taut, refined tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Wonderfully fragrant, fruity-floral bouquet. The taste is reminiscent of plums and cherries with a fine vanilla-spicy component and clear, very pleasant acidity and polished tannins. Clear fruit aromas, enormous velvety and a long finish emphasise the harmony of this Nobile Riserva. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich shining brown-red with minimal cloudiness. First smell of rich ripe cherry fruit, then rosehip and also juniper berries, then delicate leather spice in the background. Lively palate entry, stretches out a wide dress, compact and medium-bodied on the palate, tightens up a bit on the back end and finishes with some pressure on sweet fruit." Falstaff

"A medium-bodied, structured red with aromas and flavors of cloves, cedar and dried cherries. Hint of pine. Well integrated tannins. The oak spices blend in nicely." James Suckling

"The 2016 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is dark with arching violet-tinged florals, hints of plum and Tuscan dust. Its textures are silky, communicating undeniable elegance, with a polished display of mineral-tinged wild berries contrasted by hints of sour citrus. What balance, tapering off lightly structured, with a purple and blue-toned array of residual fruits and inner herbal tones lingering on and on. This is classic but in need of some time to fully come together. The Riserva hails from Fattoria del Cerro’s higher-elevation vineyards that contain a high percentage of pebbles, fossils and shells." Vinous

A solid and every year excellent drop is the tense Nobile by Poliziano, which smells of dark red cherries, blackberries and toasted notes. Juicy, compact and polished on the palate, soft and balanced with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dense, tightly wound version, displaying cherry and berry fruit, earth and underbrush flavors wrapped in a grip of dusty tannins. Gains fruit, allowing the vibrant acidity to focus and extend the finish." Wine Spectator

"Poliziano's 120 hectares extend over diverse subzones within the northern sector of Montepulciano. Drawing fruit from the various plots, its Vino Nobile (90% Sangiovese) is bolstered by Canaiolo Nero, Merlot and Colorino. It is youthfully restrained, with discreet mineral notes eventually giving way to black currant, red plum and floral nuances. The palate is tight but full with tangy acidity, appetising salinity and a subtle hint of oak. The tannins sport a grainy grip and all the elements are kept in check." Decanter

"Aromas of plums, orange peel and fresh flowers follow through to a medium body, with very crisp acidity and fine yet dusty tannins with a succulent and fresh finish." James Suckling

Brilliant ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. Impressive scent of red berries, smoke, roasted almonds and dark spices. Taut, straightforward, expressive and of beautiful length on the palate. Boscarelli's Nobile di Montepulciano is a wonderfully precise example of its growing zone every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Inviting bouquet of stone fruit, herbs and dark chocolate; compact on the palate with noticeable acidity, tight tannins, finishes multi-faceted. Pleases with its powerful style." Vinum

"Bright ruby red. Slightly reductive on the nose at the beginning, then opens up on red berry fruit, cherries, a hint of cinnamon, reverberating with sealing wax. Bright and juicy on the palate, showing savoury fruit, with fine tension and persistence." Falstaff

"The 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano lifts up perfumed with roses, violets, sage and tea leaves in an exotic and fresh display. Its textures are silky-smooth yet lifted and juicy, staining the palate with purple-tinged florals and blueberries. There is tannin here, yet they are sweet and round, hardly getting in the way of the 2018’s jovial feel." Vinous

"Marked by juicy cherry and strawberry fruit, this red is vibrant and accessible. Fine-grained tannins lend support, with hints of iron and wild herbs adding detail." Wine Spectator

"Produced since 1968 and the mainstay of Boscarelli's portfolio, this Vino Nobile has changed little since its inception. Canaiolo Nero, Colorino and Mammolo round out Sangiovese, and ageing is in various sizes of used Allier and Slavonian oak barrels. This is all leather and tar mixed with dry, gravelly soil to start. But there is a still-youthful vibrancy with plum and orange zest poking through. It flows gracefully, allowing long, dusty tannins to coat the palate. There's sneaky power here, and crunchiness to the fruit." Decanter

"Aromas of plums, dark cherries, dried herbs and minerals. Medium-to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Round and creamy with juicy character and plenty of fruit on the palate. Long, flavorful and vibrant finish." James Suckling

Brilliant ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. Impressive scent of red berries, smoke, roasted almonds and dark spices. Taut, straightforward, expressive and of beautiful length on the palate. Boscarelli's Nobile di Montepulciano is a wonderfully precise example of its growing zone every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, boasting plum, cherry, sage, earth and iron flavors. Bright and persistent, with fine balance and a lingering finish that leaves a chalky sensation." Wine Spectator

"An understated Vino Nobile with discreet minerals, spiced plums, cumin and tarry savoriness that needs some time to pull together and open up further. Quite nicely chewy and tight, with a full-bodied palate and a clean, mineral finish. A little demanding now, but shows potential. Try after 2024." James Suckling

"The De Ferrari family make multiple passages to pick each bunch at optimal ripeness. Grapes for the Vino Nobile came in between 30 September and 7 October. It's a plentiful, chewy, exuberant mouthful yet balanced and poised in its size. Wild forest berries harmonise with cedar and fresh earth nuances. The plump fruit is girdled by burly, ripe tannins and polished oak is in step with both. There's a smoothness without any lack of intrigue, while racy acidity adds extra crunch." Decanter

Fine Nobile Riserva with spicy notes of clove and cinnamon on a clear fruit base of wild berries. Soft, full-bodied and with delicate tannins on the palate, it finishes long and dynamic. SUPERIORE.DE

"For Salcheto’s Riserva, winemaker Michele Manelli adds a small percentage of dried grapes during fermentation with the goal of increasing weight and concentration as well as achieving more mature, resolved tannins. Aromas are ripe and upfront, leading with oak notes before mint chocolate meets macerated cherry. Wood takes a back seat on the palate, where rich fruit and supple tannins fill the mouth. The vintage’s fresh acidity keeps this elegant." Decanter

"Marked by vanilla and resinous oak, this red delivers plum, blackberry and iron flavors. Rigid now, with fine depth and a lingering spicy finish. Give this a year or two to absorb the oak." Wine Spectator

Ruby red with garnet glints. Boscarelli's Riserva exudes a wonderful scent of herbs, leather and cherries. Juicy, dense and compact on the palate, with robust tannins and fine acidity. Long, seductive and finely spicy on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The De Ferrari brothers select their Riserva from the estate’s oldest vines on the best plots. Given the relatively cool, rainy conditions in 2018, they made just a small quantity of Riserva from the most concentrated grapes. It starts discreetly with subtle yet captivating hints of sage, leather and allspice. The palate is sleek and agile and feels confidently extracted with firm, linear tannins - yet it isn’t overdone. Wood supports rather than imposes, and the vintage’s sprightly acidity rings out." Decanter

"The shy nose eventually reveals aromas recalling blue flower and spiced plum with a whiff of camphor. Soft and already approachable, the enveloping palate offers fleshy black-skinned fruit, blood orange and licorice framed in fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Savory plums, cherries, new leather and tangerines with a mineral undertone. Chewy tannins give the palate a firm and assertive grip before dissipating into the mineral finish. Tight and fine-grained. Better from 2024." James Suckling

The Nobile Riserva, a cru from the historic Sotto Casa vineyard, deserves a place in the best list. It sets the mood for intense, tasty drinking pleasure with delicate aromas of cherries and spices. A strong, elegant representative of its kind with well-matured fruit in the final and a charming portion of saltiness in the aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mineral and crushed dark slate on top of the fresh black and blue berries and a floral lift. Quite a linear, bright palate with even and silky tannins spreading across the palate, together with delicious berries and dark cherries. An outstanding Vino Nobile." James Suckling

Racy and seductive Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Very intense bouquet of fruit, tobacco, herbs and toasted notes. Voluminous and harmoniously round on the palate, silky-sweet tannins and excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark luminous garnet red with an impenetrable core. Opens in the bouquet on boiled down blackberry, plum roast, also some cinnamon, wrapped in delicate mocha and dried tangerines. Stretches out a comforting dress, powerfully rich in tannin, shows tension in attack and progression, finishes slightly salty with lovely persistence." Falstaff

"A plummy nose, accented by toasted spice and licorice. Full-bodied with fine, velvety tannins. Well structured with lots of flavor that veers into the, bitter, Campari-like zone right at the end." James Suckling

"Darkly floral and alluring, the 2016 Nobile di Montepulciano Salco slowly blossoms in the glass with a display of ripe plums, clove, dried flowers and sweet tobacco. Its creamy textures are complemented by an elegant wave of ripe red and black fruits that flesh out across the palate, leaving saline-minerals and a coating of fine tannin in their wake. This tapers off long and lightly structured, leaving notes of blackberry and spice to linger long. The 2016 Salco is a beauty, yet it could use another year or two of cellaring to integrate its oak." Vinous

"Ripe plum, baking spice, menthol and new leather are just some of the aromas you'll find on this fantastic Sangiovese. On the elegantly structured, delicious palate, notes of ground pepper and licorice accent a core of juicy black cherry and crushed raspberry set against a backbone of taut, refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it nicely balanced." Wine Enthusiast

"This features a core of ripe, sweet plum, blackberry and spice flavors, accented by earth, wild herbs and tobacco. Though dense and muscular, there's also a beam of vibrant acidity that keeps this focused and fresh." Wine Spectator

Within its dense, intense hue lies a lush bouquet whose fruity allusions to blackberries, sour cherries and blueberries are given an elegant touch by the delicate, very subtle wood spice. In the rich, firm palate, the smooth tannin is well blended with the structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exceedingly elegant Sangiovese from one of the best Vino Nobile sites: smells of raspberries and flowers; spot-on texture with polish, tight tannins and vivid acidity, of great length and with a future. Can mature." Vinum

"Bright ruby red. Noble, inviting nose, of ripe forest fruits and rich cherries, carried by a gentle spicy tone, reverberating of light leather and tea, complex. On the palate juicy, clear and with tight tannin, salty undertone, pulls clear and long over the tongue, with persistence." Falstaff

"There's richness and depth to this red, whose cherry, plum and mineral flavors are framed in light, toasty oak. Refined and open-knit, with a firm, lingering, savory aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone shows the more delicate side of this cru. Crushed rose petal, red cherry, mint, leather and dried herbs are all very nicely lifted. Gracious and silky on the palate, with superb balance, the 2018 Asinone is a winner from Poliziano. Readers will find a Vino Nobile that decidedly favors elegance over heft." Vinous

"Dark-cherry aromas with nutmeg and flowers follow through to a full body with firm, linear tannins that are polished and beautiful at the end. Succulent and attractive now, but will age nicely." James Suckling

Salcheto's garnet-red sparkling Vino Nobile delights us with fragrant dried plum and a hint of cinnamon and clove. On the palate, much present fruit, fine, sweet melting in the long finish. An authentic and pleasantly elegant organic wine from the heart of the Montepulciano region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Appealing bouquet of black cherries and herbs; powerful texture, the acidity invigorating and in harmony with the tannins, finishes long. Convinces with its powerful fruity style. Goes well with game dishes." Vinum

"Brilliantly shining garnet red. At first smell, rich spicy notes of rosemary, black olives and cedar, then ripe blueberry and cassis. Fills the mouth completely, presents itself in a stoffig woven tannin dress, with good structure, compact, pithy, with some persistence in the finish." Falstaff

"A core of black cherry, plum and blueberry fruit is augmented by earth, tobacco and rosemary in this chunky red, which is balanced, with a light granular quality to the tannins. The herb elements linger, along with the fruit." Wine Spectator

"Salchetto’s launching pad Vino Nobile is crafted from the estate’s organically farmed 15 hectares and is the choicest selection of grapes. Appealing from the get-go, this 100% Sangiovese smells of summer’s bounty with cherry, plum, blackberry and strawberry. Hints of flint, iron and garden herbs provide nuance. The palate is fruit-laden but not heavy, and there is lovely freshness. Dry, linear tannins are sandy in texture and speak to the wine’s serious side." Decanter

"This superb estate is basically a guarantee of great, delicious wines, even in difficult vintages as this savory red proves. It opens with heady aromas of wild berry, truffle, blue flower and dark spice while the racy, polished palate features juicy strawberry, blood orange, licorice and cocoa. It's balanced and focused, with vibrant acidity and taut, refined tannins." Wine Enthusiast

A solid and every year excellent drop is the Nobile by Poliziano, which smells of dark red cherries, blackberries and toasted notes. Compact and polished on the palate, soft and balanced with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Waits with accurate notes of cassis and herbs; juicy in the mouth, the tannins well integrated, noticeable acidity, finishes long on spicy wild berry flavours. Always reliable." Vinum

"Bright ruby red. In the nose of wild berries, sour cherries and a hint of violets. Very juicy on the palate, with clear fruit and pithy tannin, tension-filled, gentle pressure, minimal drying on the final." Falstaff

"Made since 1968, Poliziano's stalwart Vino Nobile is oak-smoothed and chocolatey, with ageing in a combination of French barriques, tonneaux and larger casks. Sweet wood spice and vanilla lead but make room for liquorice and blackberry. It's full and rich with some Merlot plumpness, and chewy wood tannins and bright acidity underneath. It all works - just give it another year to knit together." Decanter

"All charm, the 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Dark cherry fruit, licorice, menthol, pine, tobacco and cedar add pretty aromatic nuances. This easygoing, mid-weight Vino Nobile has plenty to offer." Vinous

"Aromas of mulberry, plum, dried herb, chestnut and chocolate. Medium-to full-bodied with slightly rustic tannins and fresh acidity. Juicy, with a chalky texture and flavorful finish." James Suckling

A solid and every year excellent drop is the Nobile by Poliziano, which smells of dark red cherries, blackberries and toasted notes. Compact and polished on the palate, soft and balanced with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano offers ripe cherry and blackberry fruit with a long and fleshed out mouthfeel. Poliziano is a detailed-minded estate that is one of the founding fathers of modern Vino Nobile. This forward-looking producer has produced a versatile wine from a hot vintage to pair with pasta or easy meat dishes." Robert Parker

"Lots of plums on the nose with some flowers. Black cherries and dried flowers, too. Full-bodied with chewy, juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Deep and rich, yet there's a fresh form to it. Give it a year or two to soften. Better after 2022." James Suckling

"This is sleek and well-defined, offering black cherry, blackberry, tar, iron and tobacco flavors shaped by vivid acidity. The tannins are dense, yet overall this is balanced, lingering on the complex, spicy finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is rich, deep and full of character. There's not a ton of subtlety here, but to be honest, I don't think that really matters. The 2017 is incredibly delicious and inviting. Black cherry, mocha, leather and cinnamon infuse this voluptuous, racy Vino Nobile with tons of character." Vinous

A little of everything, but never too much of a good thing. One of the most complex Nobiles we have ever tasted. Delicate red fruits with a pinch of sweetness and floral aroma, underlaid with a little tobacco. Clear cherry flavors on the palate, plus wonderful spice with again that subtle sweetness in the background. A finesse-rich and harmonious final makes you want to drink the next glass. Very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Seductive raspberry aromas, nuances of violets and underbrush; harmonious texture, the tannins polished and in balance with the vife acidity, cut precisely into a multi-faceted finish on flavors of wild berries, spice and cocoa. Excellent with game and wild fowl." Vinum

"Aromas of rose, new leather, red berry and wild herb shape the nose. The linear, racy palate shows finesse and energy, delivering red cherry, pomegranate, licorice, French oak and roasted coffee bean set against vibrant acidity and tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. It's still youthfully austere and needs time to unwind and fully develop." Wine Enthusiast

"A very complex red, showing black-cherry and stone aromas with some wet earth and pine needles. Medium-bodied with firm, polished tannins. It’s very long and racy. Beautiful now, if you like the bright acidity underneath it all. Chiseled style. Or wait a year or two for it to mellow." James Suckling

"Broad in profile, with plum, loam and leather notes allied to dense, assertive tannins. The beefy tannins hold court today, but there is a core of ripe, sweet plum, cherry and spice flavors. Decant now or wait a few years." Wine Spectator

"This is a relatively new single-vineyard wine from Boscarelli. The 2016 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Costa Grande opens to a beautifully dark color with saturated highlights of ruby and garnet gemstone. The bouquet is fine and bright, with vertical aromas of crème de cassis, dried cherry and wild rose. Sangiovese usually offers some earthy tones of forest floor or porcino mushroom, and you get those here too. These various fragrances are wrapped up neatly into the wine's tight, mid-weight texture. Dusty or dry tannins give the wine a slender or streamlined finish." Robert Parker

A bit of everything, but never too much of a good thing. One of the most complex Nobiles we have ever tasted. Delicate red fruits with a pinch of sweetness and floral aroma, underpinned by some tobacco and raspberry. Clear cherry aroma on the palate, plus a wonderful spiciness with again that subtle sweetness in the background. A finesse-rich and harmonious final makes you want to drink the next glass. Very successful and full of precision! SUPERIORE.DE

"Subtle yet complex nose with good depth coming from the red fruit and spicy savoriness. Some stony minerality adds a touch of austerity to the plums and cherries. Medium to full body with chalky tannins. Transparent and delicious." James Suckling

"Made entirely with Sangiovese, this smooth red opens with aromas of ripe wild berry, underbrush, violet and dark spice. On the polished palate, refined tannins accompany baked plum, licorice and a hint of espresso." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Costa Grande is incredibly pretty, as crushed stone gives way to bright cherries, dusty violets, mint and hints of animal musk. This has a round and pliant feel, yet it gains traction through mineral-tinged red fruits. It tapers off lightly structured yet vivid. Although the 2018 was just bottled, it’s showing beautifully and is packed full of potential. I love it." Vinous

Fine Nobile Riserva with spicy notes of clove and cinnamon on a clear fruit base of wild berries. Soft, full-bodied and with delicate tannins on the palate, it finishes long and dynamic. SUPERIORE.DE

"For Salcheto’s Riserva, winemaker Michele Manelli adds a small percentage of dried grapes during fermentation with the goal of increasing weight and concentration as well as achieving more mature, resolved tannins. Aromas are ripe and upfront, leading with oak notes before mint chocolate meets macerated cherry. Wood takes a back seat on the palate, where rich fruit and supple tannins fill the mouth. The vintage’s fresh acidity keeps this elegant." Decanter

"Marked by vanilla and resinous oak, this red delivers plum, blackberry and iron flavors. Rigid now, with fine depth and a lingering spicy finish. Give this a year or two to absorb the oak." Wine Spectator

A few years ago, six leading DOCG wineries joined forces to form the "nobile alliance": Salcheto, Poliziano, La Braccesca, Dei, Boscarelli and Avignonesi. They are pursuing the ambitious goal of bringing Montepulciano's terroir to perfection in the bottle. Leading this project are Ashleigh Seymour and Matteo Giustiniani, the winemakers of Avignonesi. They not only monitor the quality of the Sangiovese grapes, which all grow in the Poggetto di Sopra vineyard, but are also responsible for the vinification in the cellar.

The alkaline clay soil of the single vineyard Poggetto di Sopra is crossed by a vein of blue sodium clay. It is rich in silt, limestone and prehistoric marine sediments. All this makes for a tension in the wine that is as delicate as it is intense. Add to this a vintage of the century like 2016, and the course is inevitably set for success.

Sparkling ruby with garnet reflections. Impressive aromas of blueberry, cherry, clove and thyme on the nose. Dense and multi-layered on the palate, yet powerfully forward, with a clear focus on ripe fruit, minerality and with a tightly woven, soft tannin like velvet and silk. This archetype of an energetic Nobile spans a wide arc, revealing its noble origins with every sip. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Old-school Sangiovese, revealing iron, sanguine, juniper and leafy underbrush notes surrounding cherry and strawberry fruit. This is dry, with a long, complex and firm aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Balsamic whiffs of camphor align with ripe dark-skinned fruit, exotic spice and leather aromas. Vibrant and linear, the elegantly structured palate features dried black cherry, cassis and licorice before a coffee-bean finish. It's still young so give it time to fully develop." Wine Enthusiast

"Made with organic fruit, the 2016 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Poggetto di Sopra is a silky and pure Tuscan red, with the natural fruit intensity and the acidity to pair with a hearty baked eggplant dish. The bouquet is fragrant and bright with dried cherry, cassis, smoke, tar and burning ember. This bottle is part of the Alliance Vinum, or the small group of estates dedicated to safeguarding Vino Nobile and the culture surrounding this historic wine appellation. Each producer in the alliance makes a single-vineyard expression of Sangiovese, and this is the contribution from the forward-thinking Avignonesi estate." Robert Parker

"Blueberries, dried oranges, aniseed and nutmeg. Medium to full body, racy but structured tannins and loads of driven, mineral acidity. The purity of fruit and transparency here will set your palate on fire." James Suckling

"Virginie Saverys and Max Zarobe reset Montepulciano's most famous name, Avignonesi, having bought it outright in 2009. This beautifully constructed, site-specific Sangiovese is juicy and smooth, its textural richness showcasing Vino Nobile's intrinsic generosity without letting it become confused and burdensome as before." Decanter

Il Nocio, a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from a single vineyard, impressively shows the genuine essence of the Sangiovese grape and has also been one of the region's quality leaders for years. Deep red, intense aromas of sour cherry, red currant, rose blossom, violets and sweet spices. Dense, juicy and elegant on the palate, with fresh pure fruit and smooth polished tannin. Lively mineral and floral nuances in the very long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. Very peppery on the nose, of wild berry tea, a hint of mint and dried rose petal. Full and very savoury on the palate, spreads pleasantly over the tongue, with a slightly balsamic undertone, compact tannin on the final, powerful finish." Falstaff

"Raspberries, redcurrants, raw mushrooms and fresh herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied with firm, fine tannins and bright acidity. Silky yet rather firm texture and a flavorful finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2022." James Suckling

"The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Il Nocio is dusty and floral yet youthfully restrained, with bright cherries and nuances of wood spice delicately lifting from the glass. Its textures are silky and enveloping. This wine is youthfully lean and quite bassy in feel, with ripe berries contrasted by brisk acids and salty minerals. There’s so much power left in reserve here, as the 2017 tapers off long and structured with fine-grained tannins. Lose your bottles in the cellar for at least two to three years. This is a standout of the vintage." Vinous

"A picture of elegance and finesse, yet with a solid underlying structure, this red evokes violet, black cherry, black currant and Tuscan scrub flavors. The refined tannins are well-integrated, and the long aftertaste adds a mineral element and a touch of oak. Expansive and complex." Wine Spectator

Il Nocio, a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from a single vineyard, impressively shows the genuine essence of the Sangiovese grape and has also been one of the quality leaders of the region for years. Deep red, intense aromas of sour cherry, red currant, rose blossom, violets and sweet spices. Dense, juicy and elegant on the palate, with fresh pure fruit and smooth polished tannin. Lively mineral and floral nuances in the very long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Boscarelli's Il Nocio vineyard is located on a little plateau just a short distance up the road from the estate's bijou winery. The 2016 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Il Nocio displays a luminous, mid-weight appearance followed by bright and sharp berry aromas. Wild cherry and blueberry give the wine a lifted character, and there is mild spice, tilled earth and leather at the back. Most of all, this wine offers the precise linearity and sharpness (with extra acidity) that this vintage is known for." Robert Parker

"Black cherry and plum flavors are shaded by iron, earth and soy accents in this compact red. The core of ripe fruit stands up nicely to the dense structure. Persistent and fresh on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Vibrant, linear and fragrant, this radiant 100% Sangiovese has enticing scents of wild berry, rose, new leather, tobacco and a balsamic whiff of camphor. It's full bodied but boasts a silky-smooth finesse, delivering red cherry, pomegranate and exotic spice alongside polished, elegant tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced." (Cellar Selection) Wine Enthusiast

Il Nocio, a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from a single vineyard, impressively shows the genuine essence of the Sangiovese grape and has also been one of the region's quality leaders for years. Deep red, intense aromas of sour cherry, red currant, rose blossom, violets and sweet spices. Dense, juicy and elegant on the palate, with fresh pure fruit and smooth polished tannin. Lively mineral and floral nuances in the very long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Il Nocio is a bit mute today, having only been bottled a little over a week ago. Yet what it does show has me pretty excited. Here I’m finding a much prettier expression of Il Nocio, with violet florals and licorice over ripe black cherries and hints of wood spice. It’s also more lifted and precise, coasting along a core of brilliant acidity with its crisp, red berry fruits. Hints of mocha and a subtle coating of sweet tannin linger through the medium-length finale." Vinous

"A sleek and vibrant red, with black cherry, plum and earth flavors focused by vivid acidity. This has an underlying mineral element, and the aftertaste echoes fruit and earth notes. Balanced, and should be more expressive in a year or two." Wine Spectator

"A racy and subtle nose, showing minerals and dusty red berries and strawberries, together with spice, dried flowers and a hint of orange peel. This is dry, elegant and nicely austere with firm, stony tannins that round off the palate, providing a tense and chalky feel with a linear sensation. This is a pure and transparent expression of sangiovese that will improve with time. Drinkable now, but better from 2024." James Suckling

Vinified only in the best vintages and aged in 20% new and 80% used barriques, the "Grandi Annate" is certainly one of the best Nobile in the region. Sparkling, dense garnet, smells intensely of liquorice, pickled cherries and delicately of raspberries. Powerful and robust on the palate, lots of taut, present tannin. SUPERIORE.DE