Avignonesi Poggetto di Sopra Nobile di Montepulciano 2020

Avignonesi is the largest biodynamic estate in Italy, based in Montepulciano in the hills of Siena, in Tuscany. Poggetto di Sopra is its single vineyard Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, made entirely from Sangiovese, known locally as Prugnolo Gentile. The clay and limestone soils of Montepulciano and the warm continental climate, tempered by altitude and a wide diurnal range, give Sangiovese its firm acidity, fine tannin and the savoury, earthy character that defines the appellation. The estate is farmed organically and biodynamically, and the wine is vegan. It spends 24 months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds spice and structure while the long élevage builds the secondary leather and tobacco notes. The colour is garnet with a brick edge. The nose is savoury and classic, with cherry and plum over leather, tobacco and dried herbs, and the palate is medium to full bodied, with bright acidity, fine grained tannin and an earthy, persistent finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees in a large glass and decant an hour ahead. This is a wine for roast and braised meats.