Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2016

Sale $24.99

95 pts Wine Enthusiast - #13 Wine of the Year / 93 pts James Suckling / 91 pts Vinous

The “Noble Wine” was once Italy’s most celebrated and revered wine, earning praise from Pope Paul III in the 16th century… lauded by Voltaire in his famed work “Candide”, and being described by Renaissance poet Francesco Redi as the “King of all wines” in his poem “Bacco in Toscana”. The poem and the wine soon became favorites at Europe’s royal courts.

Our own Thomas Jefferson fell under the spell of Vino Nobile, stating, “For the present I confine myself to the physical want of some good Montepulciano…this being a very favorite wine and habit having rendered the light and high flavored wines of a necessary of life with me. It was most superlatively good.”

Unfortunately, like much of Italy’s wine industry, the two World Wars wreaked havoc. Emerging from a long slumber in the 50’s and 60’, growers and wineries were more concerned with quantity than quality. To boot, the region suffered from the outdated regulations of the region, requiring white grapes and lesser red grapes to be a part of the blend.

Of course, in the 90s, we saw Chianti reclaim its reputation, and Brunello di Montalcino, located a mere 10 miles west, skyrocketed to fame (and fortune) as one of the world’s Blue Chip wines. Alas, poor Montepulciano didn’t have as solid a PR firm. Yet despite the lack of recognition in the international trade, the region’s wines have blossomed in quality.

Stylistically, think of the region’s wines as “Baby Brunello”… the best are all or nearly all Sangiovese, but whereas Brunello requires a minimum of two years of oak aging, Vino Nobile only requires one. The result is a relatively more approachable wine. Of course, you can shell out double for a Brunello if you want…

This is classic Sangiovese at its best: Deep ruby red in color, with intense aromas of ripe dark berries and black cherries complemented by subtler notes of spices and tobacco. Lush and velvety on the palate, this wine offers a full-flavored, powerful profile with polished tannins and bright acidity. A blend of 90% Sangiovese (called Prugnolo Gentile in Montepulciano) and 10% Canaiolo Nero.

We love this with rotisserie-roasted chicken, braised lamb, and grilled polenta, among other things. Of course, Sangiovese is one of the most food-friendly grapes on the planet, so feel free to experiment here. Or go classic… the traditional pairing is wild boar ragu… but some nice heritage pork will do! Click on the pic for a wonderful recipe.

“Fragrant blue flower, crushed aromatic herb and wild berry aromas form the nose of this smooth, full-bodied red. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo Nero, it's savory and loaded with finesse, delivering juicy black cherry, ripe blackberry, truffle and cocoa before a star anise finish. Supple tannins and bright acidity provide seamless support and balance. ” – Wine Enthusiast


Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Wednesday, as ordered, in Hillsborough