Region: Italy - Montepulciano - Vino Nobile di Montpulciano
Grapes: 85% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, Colorino & Merlot
Alcohol: 14.5%
Notes on the Wine
Montepulciano, an area rich in history in the heart of Tuscany. To the Prugnolo Gentile grapes, which characterize the Montepulciano area, Poliziano dedicates the most attentive care because they express the full potential of a territory with a rich wine history. The result is their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, structured, enduring, with intense aromas that faithfully represent its Tuscan origins and the ancient bond between land, man, and culture. The wine is made 100% estate grapes, a blend of 85% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) along with two indigenous varieties, Colorino and Canaiolo, and a bit of Merlot. These complementary varieties add color, depth, and complexity to the elegance of the Sangiovese. The wine is aged in French oak of varying sizes for 18 months.
Notes on the Producer
Founded in 1961 by Dino Carletti, Poliziano is located a few miles northeast of Montelpulciano, Italy. Dino’s son Frederico inherited the winery in 1982 and subsequently expanded the estate while improving overall quality. Today, Frederico and renowned winemaking consultants Carlo Ferrini and Maurizio Castelli oversee the 297 acre property, the majority of which is planted on the southern slope of the old town hill in Montepulciano.
The Lohsa estate, which is located in Maremma, was purchased in the late 1990’s and is Poliziano’s second largest holding. This 65 acre property is planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon followed by Prugnolo Gentile, Ciliegiolo, Malvasia Nera and Canaiolo and supplies the grapes for Morellino di Scansano and Mandrone di Lohsa Rosso.
The cornerstone of the estate remains Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the cultivation of a regional Sangiovese clone called Prugnolo Gentile. In the proper hands, Prugnolo Gentile is capable of producing profound wines of balance, structure and elegance and Poliziano has proven its mastery of this varietal crafting modern, polished Brunellos that clearly express regional character.
“One of Montepulciano's reference-point producers” ~ The Wine Advocate 2010
2017 Vintage:
James Suckling - 92 Points
"Lots of plums on the nose with some flowers. Black cherries and dried flowers, too. Full-bodied with chewy, juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Deep and rich, yet there’s a fresh form to it. Give it a year or two to soften. Better after 2022."
Wine Advocate - 91 Points
"The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano offers ripe cherry and blackberry fruit with a long and fleshed out mouthfeel. Poliziano is a detailed-minded estate that is one of the founding fathers of modern Vino Nobile. This forward-looking producer has produced a versatile wine from a hot vintage to pair with pasta or easy meat dishes."
Jeb Dunnuck - 91 Points
"A step up in price, the 2017 Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano checks in as 85% Sangiovese and the rest Colorino, Canaiolo, and Merlot. Aged all in barrel, this deeper ruby-colored red offers lots of spicy, toasty oak as well as notes of spiced berry fruit, a touch of licorice, medium body, and a silky, seamless texture. Drink this elegant, classy, balanced 2017 any time over the coming 5-8 years."
