Avignonesi’s Vino Nobile not only brought the winery fame, it also revitalized the DOC. After more than 25 years, Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano continues to be considered one of the region’s best. The wine is made entirely of Prugnolo Gentile (the local name for the clone of Sangiovese) from eight of the estate’s vineyard sites, all based on clay-rich soil. Vines range in age from 11 to 41 years old.
Following fermentation by native yeast, the wine rested on skins for a period of extended maceration. It was aged for 18 months: 80% in barriques, 20% in large barrels.
A soft, nicely-rounded wine with elegant aromas of fresh red berries and floral and balsamic undertones. Medium-bodied with a palate of ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit, silky tannins, and a long mineral finish. While nicely balanced to enjoy now, the wine will age well for six to eight years.
“Dusty dried cherries, currants and florals, crushed stone and a lifting hint of smoke all waft up from the 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. It’s silky and elegant in feel, casting ripe red berries and saline-minerals across the palate, slowly saturating the senses with a tug of grippy tannins. This tapers off with a perfumed coating of red florals and dried berries. I expect the 2017 to have a pleasurable yet limited drinking window, needing a year or two of cellaring to come fully together, and then likely showing well for another two to three years thereafter. Of note is that production was down by 30% in 2017. 2023 – 2026″
91 points, Eric Guido. vinous.com, Dec 2021
