New Release: Poliziano Vino Nobile

~ Poliziano Winery ~

"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 retain their original labels, but have matured and evolved over time, always with the objective of uncompromising quality. The heart of our wines comes primarily from the Sangiovese grapes, 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.  But it was a mere 48 years ago,  1968 to be precise,  that the first vintage of wine bearing the Poliziano name was released;  the Noble Wine of Montepulciano. 

Since that time, the Poliziano estate has grown to become one of the premier producers in Montepulciano and it's flagship Asinone regularly garners deserved high praise.   Today we're focusing on Poliziano's  workhorse red;  the estate Vino Nobile. 

~ Rocky Vineyards of Poliziano ~

From 42 hectares of vineyards that sit at approximately 450 meters above sea level, come the Prugnolo Gentile for Poliziano's Vino Nobile.  Added to the blend is 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 and the French oak components are typically 80% second passage. 

 

This is the 5th consecutive vintage of this wine that we've reviewed and while the wine is always enjoyable, it never reaches the heights of greatness.  It's reliable, tasty and not overly complex.  For some reason, it leaves me wanting more,  though I'm not sure that's an entirely fair expectation on my part. But it still is the perception.

In the glass, the wine is a deep blackish plum color;  very dark.  Dark chocolate, new leather, and black plum aromas rise from the glass pleasantly.   On the palate, the wine is round and ripe with flavors of cherries, mocha,  sweet spices, and anise seed. Polished, with medium body,  this paired well with grilled porterhouse. This seems to be a more modern approach to Vino Nobile and though I am not certain, I suspect the 15% blend is mostly Merlot as the fleshiness and chocolate character in the wine seems to be asserting itself.   89 points.  About $25.

 

~ A solid reliable red ~

 

Salute!