Vecchia Cantina Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2016

Alana L rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano D.O.C.G. 2016 (Mostly Sangiovese) – Cooperativa Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano is the oldest cooperative in Tuscany with member estates practicing espalier system cultivation with spurred cordon vine training. Bright ruby in colour and upfront with ripe fruit (cherries, blackberries and raspberry jam) it has notes of spice, cocoa, smoke on the nose and fresh flavours of fruit, nuts and burnt orange. Beautiful balance of tannins and acidity, structured and savoury , paired beautifully with the spice of marinated Portuguese chicken and smoky grilled cauliflower. 91 Points (JS)

Tasted as part of this week’s virtual Vino Nobile di Montepulciano tasting, showcasing the 2016 and 2017 vintages, organized by the Italian Trade Commission and Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and hosted by Lauren Power.

Not to be confused with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (often budget-friendly reds made with Montepulciano grapes in the Abruzzo region), Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are premium (DOC, DOCG) Sangiovese-based red wines named after the town Montepulciano in Tuscany.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has a long, and storied, wine history closely associated with Italian nobility (it was only available on their tables) and became a controlled designation of origin (DOC) in 1966 and Italy’s first DOCG wine in 1980. These prized Tuscan wines owe their quality not only to the winemaker’s expertise, but also to the geological features of the vineyards (1,300 hectares are registered for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano) situated between 250 and 600 meters above sea level. Vino Nobile wines must be made up of a required minimum 70% Sangiovese (called ‘Prugnolo Gentile’ in Montepulciano) and a maximum of 30% of other varieties authorized for the Tuscany Region. By law both vinification and ageing must take place in the municipal area of Montepulciano and must be aged for two years (three for Riserva) before being sold.

2016 is considered a 4 star “classical” vintage: intense colors, pronounced aromas, good structure and tannic texture, medium acidity and alcohol – a year with very high quality that will stand out for wines with elegance, finesse and refinement.