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Toscana – Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

We wrap up Tuscany this week with the least known of the three big DOCGs (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita or controlled designation of origin) in the area, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Lying south of Siena, and due west of Montalcino, the ancient village of Montepulciano is approximately halfway between Rome and Florence. Surrounding the village are vineyards that have been producing one of the oldest wines in Italy, dating back some 13 centuries. The vineyards are planted on gentle slopes at approximately 600 feet above sea level in soils composed primarily of sandy clay.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano should not be confused with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a red wine made from the Montepulciano grape in the Abruzzo region of east-central Italy. The wines made in Motepulciano are primarily a Sangiovese clone, (known here as Prugnolo gentile), blended with Canaiola Nero, Malvasia, Trebbiano and local varieties such as Mammolo. Wines produced in the region include: Novello, Rosso di Montepulciano, Nobile di Montepulciano, Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva and Grappa.

While these wines are not as prominent in the market as Chiantis and Brunellos, they are becoming even more well known by wine enthusiasts for their quality and diversity. They tend to be fairly typical in the Sangiovese style of intense cherry and herb aromas and flavors, yet have more toned-down tannin than the Brunello wines and slightly less of the acidic tendencies of Chianti wines. This style makes these Italian wines a little more approachable earlier and a great accompaniment to a wide array of dishes.

Our focus here is Avignonesi, whose origins date back to the 15th century and their current ownership starting in the late 1970s. Avignonesi is comprised of four esteemed wine-producing estates:

• Fattoria “Le Capezzine” – Located just outside Montepulciano close to the village of Valiano, this is the heart of the Avignonesi Winery. Comprised mostly of Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese clone), this estate is the smallest of the estates, but is where most of the vinification and cellaring takes place.

• Estate “I Poggetti” – Is composed of two farms, both located within the boundary of Montepulciano, where the Vino Nobile has always been produced. This estate is also planted with a couple of hectares of Correggiolo variety of olives.

• Estate “La Selva” – Situated in Cignano on the hills of the Chiuso di Cortona, “La Selva” consists of four farms with four superior locations dedicated to the cultivation of classical vine varieties (merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc).

• Estate “La Lomarda” – Located close to “Le Capezzine” in the Chiuso della Valdichiana hills, the soil here is well suited to grow pinot nero, merlot and sauvignon blanc.

Avignonesi Cortona Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Toscana

Appearance: straw yellow with greenish tints

Aroma: floral bouquet with grassy notes

Flavors: grapefruit tones, with grassy flavors carrying through

Finishing Notes: full-bodied with a fresh, clean finish

Avignonesi Rosso di Montepulciano 2008 Toscana

Appearance: intense ruby red

Aroma: wild fruit aromas with a hint of grass and spice

Flavors: wild fruit and berry notes carry with a touch of vanilla, cassis and anisette

Finishing Notes: finished round and full-bodied with smooth tannins

Food Pairing:

– Sauvignon Blanc: light, delicate pasta dishes, fish and shellfish, risotto, as well as white meats and soft creamy cheeses

– Rosso di Montepulciano: tomato based sauces, thick soups, dishes with fresh wild herbs, most mushrooms and a variety of cheeses especially mild blue-veined cheeses like gorgonzola

Perfect Pairing:

– Sauvignon Blanc: penne pasta tossed in olive oil with arugula, chard, escarole, chick peas and broccoli topped with shaved pecorino cheese

– Rosso di Montepulciano: slow braised osso buco with wild mushrooms and fresh garden tomatoes stewed in a marsala based sauce

WINE:30 is written by Karl Bradley and Jody Wuollett. Karl and Jody are both long time residents of Door County and are employed at the Mission Grille in Sister Bay. They have both been awarded the first level of certification from the Court of the Master Sommeliers.

Weekly Wine Trivia

What is the official symbol used by the Consorzio Chianti Classico (the foundation of producers in the Chianti Classico region)?

Email your answer to Karl & Jody at [email protected]. The first correct answer in their inbox will receive a complimentary bottle of wine from them. Cheers!

Last week’s trivia: What are the 3 appellations from Italy colloquially know as the “Killer B’s”?

Answer: Barolo, Barbaresco and Brunello

Congratulations to our winner for last week’s wine trivia, and thanks for all the responses! Good luck this week.