Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2018
This wine transports me to the serene Tuscan countryside. Imagine a gentle breeze carrying the scent of black cherries and plums while you sit in a rustic villa surrounded by lush vineyards. The air is filled with a hint of spice and leather, invoking images of ancient cellars and well-worn leather-bound books. It's a perfect blend of history and nature, where every sip connects you to the land and tradition of Montepulciano.
Score: 94
Summary
Flavors: Complex and balanced flavors of black cherry, plum, spice, and leather.
Pair With: Perfect with rich dishes such as braised lamb, wild boar ragu, or aged Pecorino cheese. The wine's robust flavors and firm tannins complement the richness and depth of these foods.
Drink Window: Best consumed 2023-2030. This allows the tannins to soften and the flavors to fully integrate.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Color: Deep ruby.
Clarity: Clear with a slight garnet rim indicating some aging potential.
Aroma:
Nose: Intense aromas of black cherry, plum, spice, and hints of leather and tobacco.
Palate:
Flavor Profile: Starts with rich black cherry and plum, transitions to layers of spice and leather. The mid-palate reveals earthiness with a touch of minerality, and the finish is long and smooth with lingering notes of dark fruit and a touch of oak.
Body: Full.
Acidity: Medium-high.
Tannins: Firm, providing structure and aging potential.
Finish: Long and smooth with lingering dark fruit and oak notes.
Value for Money: Excellent quality for the price, offering a rich and complex wine experience typical of higher-priced wines.
Similar Wines:
Brunello di Montalcino
Chianti Classico Riserva
Barolo
Serving Temperature: 60-64°F.
Decanting: Recommended for at least 1 hour to allow the wine to open up and reveal its full complexity.
Fun Fact: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has a rich history dating back to the 8th century and was a favorite of poet Francesco Redi, who called it the "king of all wines."
Technical Details
Winery: Dei (www.cantinedei.com). The Dei family has been producing wine in Montepulciano since 1964, focusing on sustainable practices and traditional methods to create high-quality wines.
Vintage: 2018. A relatively warm year with ideal conditions for ripening, producing concentrated and balanced wines.
Varietal(s): 90% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese), 10% Canaiolo and other local varieties.
Region: Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy.
ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 14.5%.
Price Range: $30-$40.
Winery Location Details: Situated in the heart of Tuscany, the vineyards benefit from the region's diverse microclimates and rich soils, which contribute to the complexity and elegance of the wines.
Production: Hand-harvested grapes, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged for 24 months in a combination of large Slavonian oak casks and French oak barrels, then further refined in bottle for at least 12 months before release.