Vino Nobile

Rich and dense ruby red, open and accessible aroma with beautiful blackberry fruit, light tea notes in the background. Also in the taste a beautiful fruit, which reminds of ripe, dark cherries, then hearty tannin and a round finish. More classic Vino Nobile for this price simply does not go. SUPERIORE.DE

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

"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

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

"Sangiovese with some Canaiolo and Merlot, aged 24 months in Tonneaux: Smells of fresh berries and violets; smooth start, the tannins and acidity are well-balanced, the finish is spicy-fruity and long. Convinces with its elegant style." Vinum

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

"The organic 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano offers a delicate embroidery of red fruit, pressed violet and potting soil. There are subtle highlights of dried orange peel and iron ore as well. This pretty wine prizes fruit purity and simplicity. It offers a naked interpretation of this noble appellation without distractions or too many bells or whistles. The wine is light and streamlined on the palate, but there is enough tannic power to carry it over a meal of pici pasta and rabbit ragù." Robert Parker

"Plum and black cherry flavors are framed by sweet, wood smoke and spice in this supple red. It's firm, with refined and well-integrated tannins and a lingering aftertaste of fruit, earth and spice." Wine Spectator

"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

"Made with organically grown Sangiovese and adhering to certified sustainable practices, this delicious, fragrant red offers enticing scents of dark spice, new leather, wild berry and eucalyptus oil. The elegantly structured palate boasts wonderful fruit and spice, showcasing juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry compote and cinnamon while a licorice note lingers on the close. Silky tannins and fresh acidity keep it nicely balanced." Wine Enthusiast

Wonderfully fragrant, fruity and floral bouquet. On the palate it reminds 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 emphasize the harmony of this Nobile Riserva. SUPERIORE.DE

"Extremely round and juicy with lovely berry and light chocolate character and hazelnut undertones. Medium body. Delicious finish." James Suckling

Wonderfully fragrant, fruity-floral bouquet. In the taste it reminds 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 emphasize the harmony of this Nobile Riserva. SUPERIORE.DE

"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

Simply delicious is the Nobile from Avignonesi, with the 2016 vintage certified organic for the first time: clean fragrance performance with an extremely appealing aroma spectrum, hearty taste, smooth flow and gentle finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A bright, pretty Vino Nobile showing rose petals, tulips and orange zest. Taut tannins draw out fine layers of firm tannins, coating the vibrant fruit in sparkling acidity. Medium-bodied and medium chewy. Crunchy on the finish." James Suckling

"Fragrant and loaded with finesse, this has enticing aromas of dark-skinned berry, violet, camphor and whiffs of pipe tobacco. The vibrant, linear palate has great tension, delivering juicy Morello cherry, crushed mint, orange zest and star anise framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. It's balanced, with bright acidity." 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

"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

Brilliant ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. Impressive scent of red berries, smoke 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. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano offers a classic expression of this celebrated Tuscan appellation. The hot-vintage fruit is dark, ripe and fragrant. Aromas of black cherry, plum and toasted almond lift from the bouquet. This mid-weight wine offers a good level of refreshing acidity with an open-knit approach and some dusty tannins on the close. If you have a bottle, the wine is ready to drink straight out of the gate." Robert Parker

"The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. Readers will find a wine that offers plenty of Vino Nobile depth, but in a mid-weight style that makes it accessible. Bright red cherry, dried flowers, mint and white pepper add a brilliant upper register to the red Sangiovese fruit." Vinous

"Polished and savory, this medium-bodied red opens with aromas of camphor, wild berry and new leather. On the linear palate, taut tannins accompany juicy Marasca cherry and licorice." Wine Enthusiast

"A big, juicy Nobile with cherries, walnuts, chocolate and spice. It's full-bodied, chewy and layered. Lots of tannins, yet it shows intensity and energy. Give this a year or two, but impressive now." James Suckling

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

"Winemaker Michele Manelli has retooled Tuscany's traditional governo technique for Salcheto's Riserva. He adds partially dried grapes to his best cask of Vino Nobile, triggering a second fermentation for a softer, rounder and more concentrated Sangiovese. The 2016 is laden with black cherry, cinnamon, clove and orange peel. Underneath all the richness, a stony mineral note shines through. This is flattering in its presentation and accessible now, but has the fruit, structure and succulent acidity to age for another seven to eight years." Decanter

"Aromas of plum, violet and tobacco are front and center along with a whiff of camphor on this fragrant, savory red. The smooth, enveloping palate has a weightless quality, featuring spiced blueberry, dried cherry and licorice framed in tightly knit but elegant tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Boasting ripe black cherry, blackberry, floral and licorice flavors, this red is expressive and balanced. Firm tannins offer structure as this remains on the elegant side, lingering with echoes of fruit, wild herbs and mineral." Wine Spectator

Antica Chiusina from single vineyard with clean and intense sweet bouquet, beautiful fruit and fine tannin. Deep, well-balanced taste with mineral tones, which is very convincing due to its density and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich red with terracotta and dark-berry aromas and flavors and a hint of chocolate. Full body, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows density and tension." James Suckling

Antica Chiusina from a single vineyard with a clean and intensely sweet bouquet, beautiful fruit and fine tannins. Deep, balanced taste with mineral tones, very convincing due to its density and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A medium-bodied red with lots of wild cherries, blackberries, cloves, dried lavender and leaves on the nose. Some juicy raspberry, chocolate and walnut character on the palate, too. Sleek, fine tannins." 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.

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

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

"The 2015 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Salco is an organic selection of fruit from across the estate's best vineyards. You definitely get the warmth and intensity that is characteristics of this vintage, and the wine shows a very healthy and opulent quality of fruit. Like some of the other important wines from 2015, Salco's texture is loose and open-knit, with some mild grittiness on the tannins. However, the mouthfeel tapers down to a silky and fine finish all said and done." Robert Parker

"Fragrant purple-flower, dark spice and black-skinned-berry aromas mix with new leather and pipe tobacco. It's both elegant and enveloping, delivering ripe Marasca cherry, cranberry, licorice and hints of dried herb alongside taut, velvety tannins. It closes on a note of coffee bean. Drink through 2027." Wine Enthusiast

"Beginning to hit a sweet spot, revealing fading cherry, plum, iron, mushroom, woodsy and tobacco aromas and flavors. Its tannins are still a bit gruff, but nothing a good steak or braised lamb or beef dish won't take care of." Wine Spectator

The Nobile Riserva, a cru from the historic Sotto Casa vineyard, deserves a place in the best list. With delicate aromas of cherries and spices, it sets the mood for intense, tasty drinking pleasure. 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

"Charismatic nose with fruit and spice; tight body, elegant in every detail, the fine-grained tannins skillfully placed, flattering acidity, the final fruity and long. Skillful interpretation of the vintage." Vinum

"Black cherries, walnuts and some hazelnut and sandalwood undertones. Medium body, firm and creamy tannins and a succulent finish. Tile and brick undertones to the pretty fruit." James Suckling

"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

"Luca de Ferrari's 2015 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva Sotto Casa draws its fruit from a flat piece of land on the little road that leads to Boscarelli's main residence. Sotto casa means "in front of the house" in Italian. Like many of these samples from Montepulciano, the 2015 vintage delivers more intensity and latitude compared to the 2016 vintage that generally appears more vertical and sharp. There is more meat on the bones in the sunny 2015 vintage, resulting in wines that are redolent of dark cherry, dried blackberry, spice and earth." Robert Parker

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

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

"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

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

"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

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 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 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

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