Avignonesi is without question one of Tuscany's greatest estates, and their 2021 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is exquisite.
For as long as I've been in the business (approaching 30 years), the fine folks at Avignonesi have crafted mind-blowing Vino Nobiles. Mark my words, their 2021 will go down as one of their best of all time, and that is because 2021 offered perfect growing conditions.
Bruce Sanderson, Senior Editor at Wine Spectator, had this to say. "The 2021 vintage establishes a new benchmark for the wines of Tuscany. It is the best vintage to date across this central Italian region."
Is there any viticultural zone on the planet that is more beautiful than Tuscany? As you can see below, the view above Avignonesi's vineyards and winery is dramatically gorgeous, and from beautiful places come glorious wines....
Let's get one thing straight from the start -- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a red wine produced from Sangiovese, grown in the hilltop village of Montepulciano, it is not the Montepulciano grape. It is also one of Italy's most classic red wines, and it has no doubt helped Tuscany retain its privileged place on the world wine map.
This has already scored 92 to 95 points with a couple of top critics, and more great press is headed its way, but let me chime in with my own tasting notes on this one, as I had it this past Saturday night:
2 hours in the decanter, and this thing really comes to life! Classic, deep ruby in color, thrilling nose of sweet cherry, mint, violet, orange peel, and plum. Medium to full-bodied, great acidity, velvety tannins, wonderful complexity. This is drinking well now, but it will do wonderful things in the cellar. Drink 2025 through 2035. I'd put this at 93 points now, but with 3-4 years in a cool cellar, it will become a 95-96 point wine.
It should come as no surprise that Avignonesi made a top-flight wine in a top vintage. They've been doing it since 1974, and over the years, they have risen the ranks and their wines are better than ever. Today, the estate is certified organic, biodynamic, and vegan, but most importantly, their wines taste really good : )
I can't wait to have a bottle of this served alongside my Bolognese and tagliatelle. You should do the same!
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
