2021 Poderi Sanguineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany

Poderi Sanguineto is one of those small Tuscan estates that feels wonderfully removed from the polished corporate end of Italian wine. The property sits outside Montepulciano and is closely associated with Dora Forsoni, whose traditional approach has earned Sanguineto a devoted following. The wines are grounded in the local Prugnolo Gentile, the Montepulciano name for Sangiovese, and favour savoury character and vineyard personality over glossy winemaking.

The excellent 2021 vintage gave Vino Nobile the combination it needs: ripe fruit, firm structure and lively acidity. The rolling hills around Montepulciano allow Sangiovese to develop darker fruit and a little more breadth than we often see in Chianti Classico, while retaining the acidity and dusty tannin that make the variety so comfortable at the table. A few years in bottle are already beginning to draw the fruit and savoury elements together.

Deep ruby garnet, with Morello cherry, dark plum and cranberry followed by violet and blood orange. Sage, rosemary and fennel appear next, with tobacco, anise, leather and earthy spice developing underneath. The palate is medium to full bodied, with ripe cherry and plum held by fresh acidity and firm, grainy tannins. Dried orange, tobacco and a touch of terracotta linger through a long, satisfyingly dry finish.

Pici with duck and porcini ragù would be superb, alongside pork and fennel sausages with white beans, lamb with rosemary and anchovy, eggplant parmigiana or porcini risotto with pecorino. Our pick is the pici. Thick handmade pasta, deeply savoury ragù and proper Vino Nobile sounds like Montepulciano has lunch sorted.

Cellaring: Drink now with a good decant or cellar to 2038.

SEO Meta Description: