Vino Nobile

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 accentuate the harmony of this Nobile Riserva. SUPERIORE.DE

This garnet-red sparkling Vino Nobile delights us with its fragrant aroma of prunes and a hint of cinnamon and cloves. On the palate it has a lot of fruit, fine, sweet melting in the long finish. An authentic and pleasantly elegant organic wine from the heart of the Montepulciano region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. In the nose not quite clearly defined, some geranium, raspberry, then again spicy and varnished tones. On the palate juicy with crisp acidity, spreads widely, full of tension, good pressure in the finish." Falstaff

"Red-berry, rose and crushed herb aromas mingle with scents of dark spice and a whiff of leather on this elegant, understated red. Vibrant and linear, the medium-bodied palate shows energy and finesse, delivering raspberry, strawberry compote and star anise set against bright acidity. It closes on mineral note evoking rusty iron while taut, fine-grained tannins provide a polished framework." Wine Enthusiast

"A rich, round red, sporting cherry, plum, earth and mineral flavors, backed by a vibrant structure. The tannins are assertive, yet folded into the overall body and texture. Shows fine length and harmony." Wine Spectator

"Salcheto was acquired by the Lavinia wine group in 2003, however it's still managed by Michele Manelli, who was one of the previous owners. He has been instrumental in establishing this winery as a model for sustainability and biodiversity. The wines are made without added sulphites and this is as clean as a whistle. It seduces with earthy nuances and fresh-cut flowers. Tangy cherry, red currants and blood orange peel skip across the palate, driven by brisk acidity and accompanied by fine, grainy tannins which provide a secure grip." Decanter

This garnet-red sparkling Vino Nobile delights us with its fragrant aroma of prunes and a hint of cinnamon and cloves. On the palate it has a lot of fruit, fine, sweet melting in the long finish. An authentic and pleasantly elegant organic wine from the heart of the Montepulciano region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Salcheto checks a lot of boxes. The winery is powered by renewable energy, water waste is 100% recycled, there are no added sulphites during vinification and the entire production is certified organic and packaged in light weight bottles. Above all, the Nobile tastes delicious. It is clean and immediately appealing offering complex cedar, earth, tea and balsamic nuances atop forest fruit. Full-bodied and full of character, it is rich yet fresh and seductively textured with polished tannins. A great success for this challenging vintage." Decanter

The Nobile from Avignonesi is simply delicious: a clean fragrance with an extremely appealing spectrum of aromas, a hearty taste, a smooth course and a soft finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has some pleasant, red-fruit aromas, but there’s a slightly unexpected undercurrent of dried tobacco, leather and cedar. The palate shows good form and polish, though, finishing round and juicy. Pure sangiovese." James Suckling

"Aromas of baking spice, mature plum and crushed aromatic herb lift out of the glass. Elegant and linear, the taut medium-bodied palate offers dried cherry, star anise and a hint of espresso alongside youthfully austere fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Since acquiring the property in 2009, Virginie Saverys has worked to convert all 162-plus hectares of vineyards to organic and biodynamic practices. In 2015 the Sangiovese was harvested relatively early, between 10-28 September. Hints of dried rose petals, violet, pepper and black tea add complexity to fragrant red cherry and strawberry. While light on its feet and immediately appealing, it has the substance and structure to hold for the next eight years." Decanter

"The 2015 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is another super-attractive wine from Avignonesi. Wild cherry, tobacco, mint, dried herbs and dried cherry are beautifully delineated in this mid-weight, precise Vino Nobile. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2015 is wonderfully deep and persistent, not to mention incredibly delicious." Antonio Galloni

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

"Rich, dark ruby red. In the nose cool fruit underlined by fine smoke and mineral notes, rich cherry. Juicy and firm on the palate, opens only timidly, the finish is carried by the presence of wood. Falstaff

"A rich, flavorful red with dark-berry and milk-chocolate aromas and flavors, as well as a hint of nutmeg. Full-bodied yet focused and polished. A year or two will bring it completely together." James Suckling

"Bright black cherry, plum, earth, vanilla and toasty oak flavors are the hallmarks of this well-crafted red. Balanced, this needs a year or two to integrate more fully and extend the finish. Firm grip." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of plum, violet and exotic spice mingle with a balsamic note of camphor on this smooth red. On the vibrant palate, licorice and orange-zest notes accent the juicy black-cherry core while polished tannins provide lithe support." Wine Enthusiast

Brilliant ruby red with slightly brightening rim. Impressive scent of red berries, smoke and dark spices. On the palate tight, straightforward, expressive and of beautiful length. Boscarellis Nobile di Montepulciano is a wonderfully precise example of its growing zone. SUPERIORE.DE

" Coquettish bouquet with floral-spicy nuances; in the mouth full-bodied, the tannins polished and in harmony with the acidity, finely fruity the final. Has potential." Vinum

"Noble, dark ruby red. Closed nose, delicate overripe plum, dried rose petals. Opens on the palate with a melty touch, then slightly bitter in the middle with a ferruginous mouthfeel, juicy, tight in the final." Falstaff

"Fresh and bright with strawberry and orange-peel character. Light body, bright acidity and a clean and crisp finish. Fun." James Suckling

"The gorgeous 2016 Vino Nobile includes local blending varieties, Canaiolo Nero, Colorino and Mammolo. A spectrum of enticing aromas greets the nose, from rose, violets and wild cherry to sage and thyme. Elegant, savoury and deceptively light on its feet, the palate proposes sweet yet tangy fruit with layers of finessed, powdery tannin. This superb wine is just at the start of its evolution." Decanter

"Wild berry, blue flower, crushed herb, camphor and a whiff of tobacco mingle together on this vibrant red. Made with 85% Sangiovese as well as Canaiolo, Colorino and Mammolo, the radiant palate is loaded with finesse, delivering raspberry compote, Marasca cherry, licorice and Asian spice. Elegant, fine-grained tannins provide the framework while bright acidity keeps it balanced." Wine Enthusiast

"Expressive and harmonious, this red exhibits cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral aromas and flavors. Pure and elegant, with an underlying tension and intensity that drives the lingering aftertaste of fruit, stone and earth, showing a hint of wild herbs." Wine Spectator

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

A racy and seductive Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Very intense bouquet of fruit, tobacco, herbs and toasted notes. On the palate voluminous and harmonious round, silky-sweet tannins and excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2012 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Salco shows great textural richness spread over a style that is both meaty and concentrated (when compared to its peers on the Sangiovese scale). The bouquet is broad, far reaching and complete. It offers a pretty sense of moderate opulence with dark fruit flavors, spice and leather. Campfire ash and smoke play minor, but interesting roles. The finish is slightly gritty in texture." Robert Parker

"The 2012 Salco, 100% Prugnolo Gentile from the estate's oldest vines, is another wine that exudes depth. Dark red cherry, plum, scorched earth, licorice and dark spices infuse this intense, strapping Vino Nobile. Some rough edges remain, but there is certainly no shortage of either intensity or personality." Antonio Galloni

The Nobile Riserva, a cru from the historic location of Sotto Casa, deserves a place in the best list. Its delicate scents of cherries and spices set the mood for an intense, tasty drinking experience. A powerful and elegant representative of its kind with well ripened fruit in the final and a delightful portion of saltiness in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wild herb and loamy earth notes wrap around a core of plum flavors in this muscular red. Iron, sanguine and spice accents add depth as this plays out on the firm, chewy finish. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon." Wine Spectator

Shortly after the turn of the millennium, Avignonesi planted four new wine plots, which after long research and experimentation were identified as the best to produce the future cru-mobiles of the house. Their names are Banditella, Caprile, El Grasso and Oceano. Each of them gives an exciting impression of the complex terroir around the small town of Montepulciano and the results impressively demonstrate the potential of the region, which has long been in the shadow of Montalcino.

La Banditella comes from soils of maritime origin, rich in clay, silt and limestone. The vines grow at about 320 m above sea level in a northern orientation. SUPERIORE.DE

"One of five limited production, single-vineyard offerings from Avignonesi, the north-facing Banditella vineyard is the last to ripen. It sits at 300 to 320 metres above sea level and the soil is sandy with abundant pebbles and varying degrees of calcium-carbonate. This is a fragrant, vertical wine with nuances of rosehip, violets and mint, along with refreshing acidity asserting itself throughout. Though the tannins aren't immense, they are firm and powdery in texture. The subtle rustic edge remains charming and a saline finish lingers with herb blossoms." Decanter

"This is polished and lush, with plum, black cherry, iron and tobacco flavors, accented by smoky oak. Balanced, but give this a year or two to integrate more fully. Offers a firm, lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of cherries, smoke and hints of tobacco and fresh herbs. Full body. Tangy and chewy with lovely intensity and length. Shows energy and freshness. From biodynamically grown grapes." James Suckling

Shortly after the turn of the millennium, Avignonesi planted four new wine plots, which after long research and experimentation were identified as the best to produce the future cru-mobiles of the house. Their names are Banditella, Caprile, El Grasso and Oceano. Each of them gives an exciting impression of the complex terroir around the small town of Montepulciano and the results impressively demonstrate the potential of the region, which has long been in the shadow of Montalcino.

Oceano comes from soils of maritime origin, rich in clay, silt and limestone. The vines grow at about 300 m above sea level in a north-western orientation. Just 3,379 bottles were filled with vintage 2016. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant style, offering strawberry, cherry, leather and earth flavors, shaded by vanilla and toasty oak notes. Balanced, with subtle, refined tannins gracing the extended finish." Wine Spectator

"Avignonesi has always vinified their different plots separately, assembling them after ageing. In 2015 however, the estate started bottling small quantities of several single vineyards separately in order to show the nuances of Montepulciano. Oceano is made from small, bush-trained vines at 290 metres on limestone-rich clay. It's darkly fruited, all blackberry and black currants, yet lifted by accents of orange zest. The fruit is polished, round and powerful, rending the wine gracious rather than austere. Vigorous, clayey tannins cling to the palate but this finishes on a fresh, tangy note." Decanter

"Love the blueberry and strawberry character with hints of cream and toffee. Medium-bodied, integrated and finely grained with a beautiful, creamy texture. Hint of bitterness at the end. From biodynamically grown grapes." James Suckling

Shortly after the turn of the millennium, Avignonesi planted four new wine plots, which after long research and experimentation were identified as the best to produce the future cru-mobiles of the house. Their names are Banditella, Caprile, El Grasso and Oceano. Each of them gives an exciting impression of the complex terroir around the small town of Montepulciano and the results impressively demonstrate the potential of the region, which has long been in the shadow of Montalcino.

El Grasso comes from soils of maritime origin, rich in clay, silt and limestone. The vines grow at an altitude of about 300 m above sea level in a south-western orientation. Just 3,498 bottles were brought into the bottle from the 2016 vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Supple, featuring burnished plum and cherry fruit, accented by a sweet smoky element. Though this firms up on the finish, where an iron note emerges, this remains elegant, in the modern style." Wine Spectator

"A silky, refined red that’s firm and creamy in texture. Berries, strawberries and a hint of cedar on the nose and palate. Minerally. From biodynamically grown grapes." James Suckling