Tasting Notes
The story
I was actually looking for a replacement and good value Brunello di Montalcino when I found this wine. As I'm sure you are aware Brunellos can be eye-wateringly expensive partly due to the ageing period before the wines are released for sale. But Vino Nobile di Montepulciano which must be at least 85% Sangiovese can be better value - and still taste great. This is produced from 85% Sangiovese Prugnolo Gentile (AKA Sangiovese) with 15% a mix of local varieties Colorino, Canaiolo and Mammolo. It has been aged for at least two years before release and most of that in oak barrels.
Paola De Ferrari Corradi runs the vineyard with her two sons, Luca and Nicolò. They describe Boscarelli as "a small estate in Montepulciano where a Genoese family has been making wine for 50 years. We are certain that quality can be achieved only through commitment and dedication. The passionate person and the curious person who approach the world of the great Tuscan reds must find in our winery and wines our most authentic passion.”
The wine
This Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a really special wine and it's from a vintage designated as Excellent; it will not disappoint if you like more developed Tuscan wines. And it is drinking very nicely now but will keep and develop for a few years yet - if you have the willpower to keep it. It may need to be decanted because of a little sediment but also because its savoury aromas may need a little time to open up and reveal the underlying fruits. On the palate, there are many flavours - fruit including sour cherries, plums, red fruits - redcurrants and cranberries - plus spice, cedar, vanilla and a tomato-savouriness.
It is a fine example of a well structured, traditional style Vino Nobile, fine subtle tannins, juicy fruits and a medium-body.
Food Pairing
The wine is substantial enough to cope with big meat dishes such as game, goose, steak, braised beef, offal and rustic stews. Mushroom dishes are a good match and milder cheeses including goats' and sheeps' cheese.
Producer's Notes
"This is our older label Vino Nobile and the most representative of our work philosophy... its first vintage [was] in 1968... Our approach to Vino Nobile remains the creation of an ideal wine that combines freshness, elegance, complexity and great aging potential.
Vino Nobile is produced with selected grapes from vineyards at least 10 years of age that are mainly planted on red, sandy and mineral soils to give the wine a great deal of character and aging potential. Grapes used in the vintage are 85% Sangiovese Prugnolo Gentile, with the remainder Colorino, Canaiolo and Mammolo."
Awards
93 points Intravino Mar 2018
(Translated) "The Boscarelli Vino Nobile de Montepulciano is a full-bodied, serious wine but with a playful touch that lightens any tension; a splendid palate punctuated with sour cherries, plums and olives leading to a long and balanced floral and spicy finish."
91 points JamesSuckling.com Oct 2018
"Aromas of tar, berries and violets follow through to a full body, firm and silky tannins and a juicy finish. A little tannic now. Give it a year or two to soften. Try in 2020."
