~ Montepulciano in Southern Tuscany ~
In 1893 Luigi Cecchi became a professional wine taster and soon realized the potential for Italian wines to become some of the greatest in the world. This discovered potential and drive led him to create what is now that constellation of Famiglia Cecchi wine estates; run capably and proudly by his sons Andrea and Cesare.
The two brothers have continued Luigi’s journey which can now be defined as the perfect blend between innovation and tradition. It is the ability to interpret the future where the success of the Cecchi brothers lays; a sort of gift handed down from father to sons. Every step forward taken by the winery throughout its history has been preceded by careful, thoughtful and thorough experimentation and it is the respect for tradition that always leads the family in its decisions. The brother have remade Cecchi and the wines have never been better.
~ Part of the Cecchi wine cellars – these doors mark the entrance to the Coevo Room ~
Today, in the final installment of our 4 part “Gemelli” series, we are featuring the namesake wine of the Cecchi vineyards in Montepulciano; Vino Nobile. The Cecchi Vino Nobile is sourced from trusted growers that the family has had a relationship with for many years. Aged in large cask only, the wine is 90% Sangiovese and 10% other grapes such as Colorino or Canaiolo. No foreign grapes are used.
The 2014 Cecchi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a medium ruby color in the glass with pretty violet reflections. Given the reputation of the vintage, we did not decant the wine. In the glass, this Vino Nobile displays pretty scents of raspberry, soft balsa wood and vanilla notes and a slight hint of tobacco leaf. Nothing intense here, but a display of “soft ” aromas.
On the palate, the wine behaves as one would expect from the vintage. That being said, it surprised me because it was better than I had expected. Soft berry notes are light to medium bodied and are joined by slightly green tobacco notes and trivial amounts of powdery spices. Slightly diluted on the mid-palate, the wine finishes clean and soft. Best suited to be consumed young with more simple food like burgers, pizza, etc. Nothing here is offensive; but nothing is inspiring and at this price point, there are better values. 84 points. About $25.
~ The 2014 Vino Nobile is a nice effort in a very tough vintage ~
The sibling wine is the 2013 Cecchi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and tasting side by side only serves to highlight the differences in the wines. Slight darker in color, the 2013 is crimson red at the core and fades to ruby at the rim of the bowl.
On the nose, the wine displays vibrant wild berry notes that are punctuated with toasted tobacco, fennel and cured meat. The two wines are distinctly different. On the palate, the wine is solidly medium bodied with a straightforward core of juicy berry fruit that is accented by sweet fennel seed and tobacco leaf. Soft, powdery cake spices appear on the finish. Displaying some of the negative traits of the 2013 vintage, there is some bitterness to the tannins, especially on the finish and without food. But overall, this is well balanced. Drink now, with appropriate food. 87 points. About $25.
~ A better wine than its sibling, but it still displays some of the uneven nature that the 2013 vintage is known for ~
Salute!
