Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2018 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent Sangiovese based red wine from the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG in Tuscany (not to be confused with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, a red wine made from the Montepulciano grape in Abruzzo). This red wine arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent February 18 LCBO VINTAGES Release and is readily available across the province.

It is produced by Poliziano, a family winery that was born in 1961 from the love for their beautiful with which they work in harmony to vibrant and representative wines with professionalism and the constant search for the most advanced viticultural and oenological techniques.

The story of Poliziano begins when Dino Carletti purchased his first parcel of 22 hectares near Montepulciano. He named the winery "Poliziano" because in Italian a native of Montepulciano is called a "Poliziano", and one of the most well-known Polizianos in the history of the region is the humanist poet Angelo Ambrogini (1454-1494) who had the nickname "Poliziano". As a tribute to Angelo, he is represented in the company's logo.

In the late 1970s, Federico Carletti, son of Dino, took over management of the property after he completed his studies in agriculture and immediately made his mark by choosing to work exclusively with their own estate grapes. Today, the estate has over 170 hectares of vineyards and the focus is on quality viticulture that is also innovative, yet respectful of the environment and tradition. Federico's pursuit of quality and excellence was present in the vineyards and cellar, while continuously looking to improve. He studied Sangiovese (aka Prugnolo Gentile) in order to find its best expression in Montepulciano, while also planting international varieties in the 1990s. For almost twenty years, Federico has focused on reaching the highest expression of this territory in his wines, with a firm belief in the potentiality, while also moving towards a more natural and sustainable approach.

Today, the family's passion for wine continues with the 3rd generation. Francesco and Maria Stella joined the family business in 2019 and 2021, respectively, as essential advisors to Federico and are ready to face both the current and future challenges.

This Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is crafted with 90-95% Sangiovese, a grape known locally by its historic name Prugnolo Gentile, and the remainder with other permitted varieties. At Poliziano, they dedicate the utmost care to growing Prugnolo Gentile, the grape that characterizes the Montepulciano area, because it expresses the full potential of the territory with its rich wine history. First produced in 1968, the grapes for this wine come from a 47 hectare vineyard situated between 300 to 400 metres above sea level on silty-clay soils with a medium presence of stones. The grapes were manually harvested and sorted by an optical sorting machine. It was macerated and fermented in stainless steel vats, followed by ageing for 14-16 months in wood barrels, with two-thirds aged in French oak barriques and tonneaux, and one-third in vats.

From an excellent 2018 vintage in Tuscany, let's see how this 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

POLIZIANO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#988055) (XD) - $34.95
Composed of 90-95% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), this has a beautifully elegant and highly aromatic nose of red cherry, sweet spices, baking spice, clove, wet earth, and hints of Mediterranean herb aromas laying underneath. It's medium-full bodied on the ripe, structured palate with lovely red cherry, clove, earth replays, plus sandalwood notes on the flavour profile. It is impeccably balanced with juicy, succulent acidity and well-integrated, elegantly structured, and grainy textured tannins. Savoury, earthy, chestnut, and sandalwood notes with touches of cherry lingering on the long, highly pleasurable finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 10 years, maybe a bit more. Score: 92+ pts

Minimal quantities of one other wine by Poliziano is available at the LCBO, while the rest of the portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.