Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2022

Poderi Boscarelli was founded in 1962 by Egidio Corradi at Montepulciano in Tuscany and is now run by his descendants, the De Ferrari family. This Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is built on Sangiovese, known locally as Prugnolo Gentile, with a small share of other red varieties. Montepulciano's hillside vineyards sit on a mix of clay, sand and stony soils, which together with the warm Tuscan days and cooler nights give the wine its firm structure, fresh acidity and savoury, earthy character. Sangiovese is naturally high in acid and tannin, and these soils sharpen that line further. The wine ages 18 months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the wood rounds the tannins and adds a measured spice and savoury complexity while the fruit stays in front. Malolactic fermentation softens the acidity into a fuller texture. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is ripe red cherry and plum with red berries, dried herbs and a tobacco-edged earthiness. The palate is medium to full, the tannins firm and fine-grained, the finish long and savoury. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted briefly, in a large glass. A classic match for Tuscan grilled meats and tomato-based dishes.