While many of you are probably familiar with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, if you're like me, you don't see Rosso di Montepulciano very often. However, the two wines are analogous to Brunello di Montalcino and its little brother Rosso di Montalcino. Like those wines, the rules regarding the Rosso are less stringent than for its big brother. In the case of the Montepulciano brothers the Rosso is allowed to have higher grape yields (up to 70L per hectare versus 56L per hectare for the Vino Nobile) and requires a much shorter period of aging (6 months versus 24).
Both of today's wine come from the Avignonesi winery which despite producing almost 750,000 bottles per year uses almost 100% estate grown fruit. Avignonesi is a true champion of Sangiovese -- despite rules which allow for up to 30% of other varieties in both of today's wines, the Rosso di Montepulciano is 94% Sangiovese and the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is 100%. (And don't be confused by the Montepulciano in the name -- that refers to the city, not the grape.) Let's see how the two wines compare.
First up is the 2011 Avignonesi Rosso di Montepulciano which is 94% Sangiovese and 6% local red varieties from Rosso di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy. It has an SRP of $19 and is available for as low as $15. 100,000 bottles produced. Imported by Tabaccaia USA. Sample submitted for review.
From the bottle:
"The Avignonesi winery, covering 296 acres of vineyards, is located on the north eastern slopes of the historical town of Montepulciano in the south of Tuscany.
Fragrant aromas of red summer fruit and subtle Mediterranean herbs with a round, distinct taste.
Can be paired with most hearty dishes, such as pasta, chicken or roast meat.
Serving temperature: 60F
14% Alcohol"
The 2011 Avignonesi Rosso di Montepulciano begins with very pleasant aromas of black cherry, violets and baking spice. The wine tastes smooth and delicious with lots of juicy red and black berry fruit, a great spicy streak and even a bit of a nice earthy undertone. Thanks to the good acidity we found it be a very good food wine as well. It ends dry and very long. This one is easy to drink and offers good complexity, a combination we love, at a great value.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 8.0
Highly Recommended
Second is the 2011 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano which is 100% Sangiovese from Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy. It has an SRP of $29 and is available for as low as $23 (Saturday Splurge). 206,300 bottles produced. Imported by Tabaccaia USA. Sample submitted for review.
From the bottle:
"The Avignonesi winery, counting 200 hectares/495 acres of vineyards, is located on the north-eastern slopes of the historical town of Montepulciano in southern Tuscany.
Intense aromas of cherries, sweet spices and Mediterranean herbs with a well balanced, savoury and long lingering finish.
Perfect with red meat, game or a selection of cheeses.
Serving temperature: 64F
14% Alcohol"
The 2011 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano begins with wonderful aromas of sour cherry, sweet spice and mint. The wine tastes smooth and silky with red and black cherry, cola, licorice, more spice and savory dried herb notes. This one also has good acidity and makes for a great food wine. It ends dry and very long with more fruit, licorice and spice along with some excellent balsamic notes. Also very good, but big brother cranks up the complexity a notch.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
