2018 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy
Avignonesi’s vineyards spread across the picturesque rolling hills of the southeast corner of Tuscany. Avignonesi also owns a vineyard in the neighbouring municipality of Cortona.
After a few years as a silent partner, the Belgian Virginie Saverys took over the prestigious winery in 2009. She was a consumer, and overnight she became a producer. This crossing of the mirror motivated Saverys to undertake a radical regeneration of the winery. Safety at work, pollution and climate became Avignonesi’s primary concerns. Out of respect for workers, consumers and the environment, she has banned highly toxic synthetic biocides that pollute the soil, the air and the water. Concurrently, she has forbidden the use of commercial yeasts, dyes, enzymes, tannins and other industrial adjuvants in the cellar. The company strives to restore its native character to better establish the identity of the fruit. Biodynamic viticulture contributes to a large extent in achieving this purpose. Under the guidance of oenologist Matteo Giustiniani, the use of oak is increasingly sparing (especially for Sangiovese). This results in fresher wines, where the fruit aromas are often accompanied by vibrant acidity. The elegant profile and sobriety of the tannins prevail over the power without harming the ageing potential.
ABOUT THIS WINE:
This wine is made with 100% Sangiovese grapes highlighting the balanced and harmonious traits of its habitat. The wine shows a sleek medium body, seamless tannins and a distinctive tasting profile. Great for the ‘now’ it reveals an impressive ageing potential. Avignonesi claims to be artisans of wine because few winegrowers, even of modest sizes, work on such small lots.
Clay is predominant here and the soils are frequently mixed with layers of limestone or sand. This rich diversity is broken down into micro-plots. For example, the 100 hectares of Sangiovese are divided on average into plots of 1.5 hectares.
In the glass it shows intense garnet red reflections. On the nose aromas of small red fruits, strawberries and currants. Then pomegranate and the unmistakable violet scent of good Sangiovese. In the background a touch of vanilla, sweet spices and liquorice. The palate is well balanced with hints of ripe cherries and plums, supported by precise and elegant tannins. The body is warm and enveloping with a long and persistent finish.
At least 18 months in Slavonian oak barrels, oak barriques and tonneauxDetails:
| Grape(s) | Sangiovese |
| Farming | Biodynamic |