Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2022

Ripe Black Figs, Luxardo Cherries, Sage, Cedar, Allspice, Caramel

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"In 2018 and 2019 I visited this exquisite property outside of Montepulciano, a ramparted city high in the Apennine Mountains of Tuscany. Before my visits I understood the importance of this property, and the owner Federico Carletti, but walking the cellars and tasting the wines gave me an even greater impression of how important estate this is to the entire region.

The town of Montepulciano is one of the prettiest in Tuscany, and a must see if visiting the region. Vineyards lie around the hilltop town, across the rolling valley that is also home to the famous Chianina beef. Poliziano sits about seven miles from town, surrounded by vineyards whose grapes are legal for use in Vino Nobile, but are only blended into their Rosso di Montepulciano. For the Vino Nobile the vineyards are much higher, where there is more limestone in the soil. It is only one of the quality decisions that owner Federico Carletti makes to ensure his example of Vino Nobile is the standard to which all others are compared.

What I most respect about Carletti is that while the winery is beautiful and modern, the wines are classic. For this wine he uses a traditional blend of the local clone of Sangiovese, called Prugnolo Gentile, along with Colorino, Canaiolo and a tiny portion of Merlot. The wine is fermented in stainless steel, then aged in a combination of large wood, barriques and tonneaux for 14 months. The result is a wine that is both elegant and yet surprisingly powerful." Tim Varan