Avignonesi was established in 1974 and sits in Tuscany’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano denomination. Sangiovese is, of course, the focus of its Nobile wines. Viticultural practices embrace organic and biodynamic principles, and not just in word. Avignonesi is certified organic and biodynamic, which means they fulfill the required record keeping and inspections; it’s rigorous, time consuming and expensive, but good for the planet, the winery’s workers and results in fresh, delicious wines. It is a return to more traditional farming methods common before the industrialization of farming. Beyond their commitments in the vineyard, Avignonesi demonstrates its commitment to their employees by adopting the Benefit Company structure and achieving B Corp® certification.
All of this sounds very serious, and it is hard work, but the folks at Avignonesi also work hard at having fun and embracing the good life. Their recent collaboration with artist Amrita Marino to create labels for their 2014 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a perfect example of Avignonesi’s blend of traditional and modern ideas. What’s in the bottle is 100% Sangiovese, but that traditional wine carries a colorful, fun, modern label. With it, Avignonesi hopes to remind us to slow down, enjoy our friends and a good meal – in short, to Live Nobile. In all, Amrita Marino created ten new labels that also celebrate the winery’s 50th anniversary. You can view all of the labels on the Avignonesi website.
We received the following two wines as tasting samples.
2014 Avignonesi Vintage Release Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG — translucent garnet with aromas of cherries, raspberries, earth and dried orange peel Flavors include red fruit with hints of leather and earth in a barely medium body. Tannins, which are well integrated with the flavors, are fine and drying. The acidity is fresh and balanced. 13.5% ABV. 2200 bottles made.
This is such a sippable Sangiovese with its delicious fruit flavors, lively acidity and fine, drying tannins. Ten years on, this wine is still fresh and light on its feet. It will be perfect with any number of meals. 100% Sangiovese was grown in multiple estate vineyards planted in a variety of complex soils. The wine was aged for 18 months in wood and more than 8 years in bottle.
We were fortunate to taste the 2013 Avignonesi Vintage Release Vino Nobile di Montepulciano last year and found it as delightful, fresh and vibrant as the 2014. While the flavors were similar, each is a reflection of the vintage.
While Sangiovese and Nobile wines are undeniably Avignonesi’s focus, they have other interests as well that are represented by their International Grapes & Icons, Da•Di Wines, not to mention a collection of other products made on the estate. The next wine is part of the International Grapes & Icons range of wines.
2020 Avignonesi Desiderio Toscana I.G.T. Merlot — medium ruby with generous aromas of plums, blackberries and cedar. Flavors include blackberries, plums, earth and cedar. Gauzy tannins are well integrated with the flavors in a medium body with fresh acidity. 14.5% ABV, 40,933 bottles made.
Just as Sangiovese stands alone in Avignonesi’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, so does Merlot in Desiderio. Merlot is sourced from various estate vineyards with complex soils, various elevations and exposures. Vinification took place using indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine aged in 225-liter oak barriques. The back label notes MADE WITH ORGANIC GRAPES, so you know exactly what is in your glass.
Desiderio, depicted on the label, was a bull who lived on Avignonesi’s Capezzine farm more than 100 years ago. Desiderio helped define the standard for the Chianina cattle breed used to prepare the delectable Bistecca Fiorentina.
Whether your tastes tend toward Sangiovese, international varieties or unexpected grape varieties, Avignonesi has a wine to suit. Avignonesi wines are generally available in the US.
Thanks to Platinum Media for organizing our tasting.
Cheers!
