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Wine 101 Amazing Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Embark on a journey into the heart of Tuscany as we unravel the charm of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a true masterpiece among red wines. Amidst the shadows of Chianti and Brunello, Nobile emerges as a distinguished classic, capturing the essence of Italian nobility in a bottle.
Unraveling Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
- Often overshadowed by its Tuscan counterparts, Nobile stands as Tuscany’s noblest red wine, the first DOCG on the Italian market.
- Cherished by influential figures like Thomas Jefferson, Nobile’s history as the wine of nobles adds to its allure.
The Essence of Montepulciano
- Crafted from Sangiovese grapes, locally known as Prugnolo Gentile, grown around the medieval town of Montepulciano in southern Tuscany.
- The warm Mediterranean climate and sandy, clay-rich soils contribute to the vibrancy of Nobile.
Winemaking Mastery
- Nobile, aged for a minimum of two years, highlights Sangiovese, constituting at least 70% of the blend.
- Exceptional versions are crafted with 100% Sangiovese, showcasing the wine’s aging potential with a riserva label.
Distinguishing Nobile and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
- A common misconception clarified: Montepulciano is not just a grape but also a Tuscan town, unlike Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, originating in the central Italian region of Abruzzo.
Perfect Moments to Indulge
- In its youth, Nobile captivates with vibrant ruby hues and bright red fruit aromas, while its structured acidity makes it age-worthy for up to 20 years.
- A versatile wine, Nobile evolves over time, revealing secondary notes of tobacco, leather, and candied fruit flavors without compromising its solid structure.
Reasons to Savor Nobile
- Despite its esteemed history, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano remains a hidden gem in America, offering a noteworthy alternative to its Tuscan counterparts at an appealing price.
- Whether enjoyed in its youth or gracefully aged, Nobile enchants with flavors of ripe red fruit, spice, dark berries, and subtle earthiness, complemented by gentle tannins.
Perfect Pairings
- Nobile’s versatility extends beyond Italian cuisine, making it an ideal companion for barbecue favorites and spicy Asian dishes, transcending culinary boundaries.
10 Facts about Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is Tuscany’s noblest red wine, often overlooked in favor of Chianti and Brunello.
- It was the first DOCG wine to enter the Italian market, celebrated for its rich history and association with nobility.
- Thomas Jefferson, a renowned fine wines expert and the third U.S. President, expressed his admiration for Vino Nobile.
- Montepulciano, the town, gives its name to the wine, distinct from the grape Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
- Nobile is crafted from Sangiovese grapes grown in the warm Mediterranean climate and sandy-clay soils around Montepulciano.
- The wine is aged for a minimum of two years, with riserva versions requiring three years of aging, including one in oak barrels.
- Nobile showcases vibrant ruby hues and bright red fruit aromas in its youth, evolving into complex notes of tobacco, leather, and candied fruit with age.
- Despite its prestigious history, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano remains relatively undiscovered in the United States.
- The wine offers an affordable alternative to Tuscan counterparts, rivaling them in quality.
- Nobile’s versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual enjoyment to pairing with diverse cuisines.
Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try
2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley
- The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
- Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
- Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
- Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
- Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
- Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
- Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot
2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley
- Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
- Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
- Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish
2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley
- Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
- Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
- Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers
2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley
- A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
- Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
- Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam
2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington
- Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
- Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
- Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience
2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley
- A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
- Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
- Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish
2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island
- A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
- Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice
2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County
- Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
- Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
- Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat
2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley
- Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
- Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
- Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances
2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington
- Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
- Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
- A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley
2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley
- A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
- Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
- Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now
2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains
- Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
- Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
- Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead
2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley
- Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
- Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
- A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30
- Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
- Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
- A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential
2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington
- Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
- Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
- Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries
2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley
- Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
- Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish
2019 Vérité La Muse
- One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
- A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood
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