Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2022

Avignonesi, in the hills of Montepulciano in the province of Siena, has been led since 2009 by Virginie Saverys, who converted the historic 1974 estate to organic and biodynamic farming. This Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG is made entirely from Sangiovese, the grape known here as Prugnolo Gentile. Montepulciano's clay and limestone soils and continental climate, with hot days and cool nights, give Sangiovese its hallmark high acidity, firm tannin and savoury red fruit. The estate farms organically and the wine is vegan. It is aged for 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks, a traditional choice that allows gentle oxygen exchange to soften tannins and add structure without the strong vanilla of new barriques, preserving the grape's fruit and earthiness. The colour is medium ruby tending to garnet. The nose offers ripe cherry and plum over violet, leather and dried herbs, and the palate is medium to full bodied, with fresh acidity, fine tannin and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees in a large glass and decant 30 to 60 minutes ahead. It suits Tuscan roasts and grilled meats.