Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2011: Dark maroon-red color; wonderfully intense nose of cherry, sweet spices, mint;
powerful expression of sangiovese bursting with flavors of sour cherry, raspberry, plum; medium body, rich, round; silky tannin, bit of balsamic on the finish of this very delicious effort. The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano name entails two elements: the ancient Tuscan town of Montepulciano atop a volcanic-rock hill surrounded by vineyards (including Avignonesi’s 495 acres on the northeast slope) and a legacy of being served at tables of Italian nobles. Italian law requires a minimum of one year of barrel aging and three years of bottle aging for this DOCG, so 2011 is the newest vintage available. Avignonesi embraces biodynamic farming, including generous use of horn manure, nettle tea, copper, and sulfur—all natural ingredients. Avignonesi’s owner, Virginie Saverys, has interesting life story: born in Ghent, Belgium, educated at the University of Paris, she practiced law until succumbing to her passion for wine, becoming a part owner in 2007 and full owner in 2009. Her focus has been biodynamics and pushing her label to new levels of excellence. “I eat only organic products myself, and I believe a farmer’s first duty is to his land,” she writes on the winery website. Her vision produced terrific wine. $30