As the wind blows through the trees in our backyard, the leaves now rustle in a way that sounds more like fall than summer. Mornings are cool and damp. Fall is definitely in the air, in spite of warm afternoon temperatures. It’s time to think about introducing more red wines into our usual white wine lineup. Sangiovese is a delicious choice and the wine we’re tasting today, a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, is a delightful Italian example. We received this wine as a tasting sample.
Tuscany (Toscana) is a tourist’s dream with its beautiful countryside, rolling hills and picturesque hilltop towns. And then there is the food and, of course, the wine. I know this only from reading about Tuscany and listening to our friends’ travel stories. But, no worries, I’m very happy to enjoy the region through its wines.
Tuscany is located on Italy’s west coast — south of Liguria and even further south of Piedmont. Sangiovese is the predominant grape variety (66%) and red wines predominate (86% of total production). Famous Sangiovese wines from the region, in addition to Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, include Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Brunello might be the heavy hitter in the region, and Chianti may be more familiar to some, but the charm and quality of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines make them very attractive.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was established as a DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) in 1966 and elevated to a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) in 1980. The region, around the hilltop town of Montepulciano is hilly and lies between the Ocria and Chiana Rivers. Sangiovese, known locally as Prugnolo Gentile, must comprise at least 70% of the final blend, with the balance made up of other allowed red varieties (30% maximum) and white varieties (5% maximum). There are also requirements for minimum vineyard elevation, alcohol level and aging.
2019 Tenuta Calimaia Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG — ruby garnet with generous aromas of dark plums, leather, dusty earth and dried thyme. Flavors include dark plums, blackberries, earth, leather and dried figs with slate-like minerality. Tannins are fine, but very drying in a medium body. 14% ABV. SRP $25
Sangiovese is an extremely good pairing partner for a meal. Its flavor profile won’t overpower most dishes, its acidity keeps the wine tasting light and fresh and its tannins, while substantial, are very fine. Sangiovese can also age well because of its great natural acidity. This wine has all of those qualities. The blend is 90% Sangiovese, 10% other red varieties. The wine aged for 24 months in oak barrels.
Tenuta Calimaia is one of several wineries that are part of the Marchesi Frescobaldi family – known for its 700-year-old Tuscan history.
Thanks to Colangelo & Partners for organizing our tasting.
As an aside, Gino Colangelo, president of Colangelo & Partners, has joined with Kimberly Noelle Charles, founder and president of Charles Communications Associates and noted author, speaker and consultant, Karen MacNeil, to establish Come Over October. COO is an initiative to highlight the conviviality of wine. You can read about the wine marketing campaign at the Come Over October link above.
Cheers!
