~ Poliziano is clearly among the best producers of Vino Nobile ~
“Our wines evoke the historic tradition of the land, but at the same time speak eloquently to the modern world. Theirs is a developing narrative: born in the early 1980’s, they have matured and evolved over time, always with the objective of uncompromising quality. The heart of our wines comes primarily from the Sangiovese grape, known locally by its historic name, “Prugnolo Gentile.”
Poliziano traces its family roots back to Angelo Poliziano – the classical scholar and poet of the Florentine Renaissance. However, it was a mere 51 years ago, 1968 to be precise, that the first vintage of wine bearing the Poliziano name was released; the Noble Wine of Montepulciano.
From 42 hectares of vineyards that sit at approximately 450 meters above sea level, Poliziano crafts its estate Vino Nobile. Although Vino Nobile can be 100% Sangiovese, the estate wine is a blend of 85% Sangiovese along with a 15% varietal mix that includes Canaiolo, Colorino and Merlot. The wine is aged 2/3 in barrique and tonneaux and 1/3 in large cask.
~ Vinous history from the cantina of Poliziano ~
The 2015 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is…. what? Hmmm, it’s many things. It’s elusive. It requires your patience and some TLC. It is the product of a stellar vintage and it’s a wine to take note of.
We did not decant this bottle. That said, to enjoy this wine now, I strongly urge you to do so. Luckily, the start of dinner was delayed so this wine sat in the bottle for a while minus the few glasses that were poured. After nearly 90 minutes of air, this was a totally different wine. Trust me, decant it.
The 2015 is a gorgeous medium ruby to violet color. Immediately after pouring, the aromas from the wine are expressive. Crushed black cherry, black olive, slight crushed mint leaves and soft toasted spices are wonderful. On the palate, this wine was elusive and seemed almost “lean” after the first few sips. The tannins seemed intrusive and almost out of balance. They weren’t bitter at all, but they were chewy. After 90 minutes, the transformation occurred.
The deep black cherry flavors plumped dramatically revealing a full bodied core of viscous fruit that is fresh and lively. Accented with leather, cocoa and tobacco notes, this glides across the palate coating from front to back. The acidity keeps things fresh, however, the tannins clamp down on the back end. They are dusty, but they are there. Make no mistake. With grilled chicken, buttered gnocchi and vegetables the pairing was wonderful. Decant now or cellar 2-3 years. This will easily last a decade or more and I bought plenty. 92 points. Wonderful value just under $25. Find this wine.
~ Not surprisingly, a vintage to stock up on ~
Salute!
Hi John,
I must admit I have never been a fan of Poliziano wines, but of course you know I am a big fan of Vino Nobile. I will be in Montepulciano next week and will definitely track down a tasting or bottle of the 2015 Poliziano. I also plan on visiting one of my favorite Vino Nobile producers – Romeo.
More Vino Nobile!!!!
Joe D
Joe, I have loved Asinone but have been luke warm on this wine for many vintages. I was luke warm on this bottle until the 2 hour mark. It needs a decant. Far and away the best of this bottling I’ve ever tasted. There isn’t enough good Vino Nobile here. Avignonesi is so-so. Valdipiatta weak, IMO. Really I target Asinone and Boscarelli. But it’s very difficult to find the latter. And to pile on the topic of not finding the wines while also ending on a goofy note, Where fore art thou Romeo????
Hi John, I will follow your advice and buy some 2015. I follow you about Nobile producers: after Boscarelli, it is sometimes difficult to find people who make good wines years in years out. Have you tried Dei? Some talk highly about this estate but I must admit I have been rather disappointed…Del Cerro Nobile is a good value but sometimes lacks depth…
Not a Dei fan and I’m with you on Fattoria Del Cerro although their 2011 Riserva Nobile was divine.
John, I agree with Asinone but enjoy Boscarelli Il Nocio much more. One must search hard for Vino Nobile but dedicated searching does result in high level enjoyment. Boscarelli, Romeo, Godiolo , Icario, Le Berne, Talosa Filai Lunghi, Montemercurio, Tiberni and the list goes on. Some day we will meet in Montelpuciano and we will search and taste and buy Vino Nobile. Heck we can meet at my house and do a wide range tasting.
As for ‘where fore art thou Romeo’ – Romeo Vino Nobile, Romeo Vino Nobile Riserva, Romeo Lipitresco and Romeo Vin Santo are all in my cellar!
Try Montemercurio…their 2015 Vino Nobile Messaggero is excellent..and great price ! ????????
To all,
Love mixing it up and having a conversation on Vino Nobile. Of course I am a big Brunello fan but Vino Nobile is number two.
I opened a 2014 del Cerro last night. Not a great wine but definitely a good value at $15 per bottle.
I am with Montosoli, have had several vintages of the Montemercurio Messagero and it is consistently very good. In my top list of Vino Nobile producers Boscarelli and Romeo are at the top. I am also a very big fan of Godiolo Riserva. Have enjoyed Talosa, especially their Nobile Filai Lunghi; same with Le Berne, Tiberini , and Tenimenti Angelini.
As to John’s comment: “Where fore art thou Romeo????” – Romeo Vino Nobile, Vino Nobile Riserva, Lipitiresco, and Vin Santo are all in my cellar.
You two seem to be mentioning wines that are not imported. Or should I say not exported? I can’t find Asinone or Nocio let alone the ones mentioned above. And Joe, you are sourcing directly, no? I see the Montemercurio. Piquing my interest.