Deep ruby color; cherry, wild red berries, elderberry, licorice, vanilla, oak spice, earth, violets on the nose and palate.
Dry; mild tannins, good acidity that plays well with vibrant fruit. Medium-plus body. Velvety texture. Nicely integrated package that grows more complex and interesting with air exposure. Consider decanting. I did not decant on first tastes, but as it evolved in large glass, I regretted the decision. This also bodes well for extended cellaring—shoot, this test is at six years and there is every indication this wine is just getting started on its evolving journey.
Primarily sangiovese, but also includes canaiolo and “other authorized grape varietals.” Maceration with the skins for 10-15 days with frequent pumpovers employing special pumps designed to move solid parts (skins and seeds) very gently. Aged two years in large—more than 1,000 gallons—Slavonian oval oak barrels, with small percentage in small French oak barrels. Aged in bottle 6-8 months prior to release. 14% ABV
Giovanni Carlo Sacchet and Antonio Mario Zaccheo founded Carpinto in 1967 in the small town of Dudda within the municipality of Greve in Chianti. The winery’s name was inspired by the Greek word “carpos”—fruit, symbolizing a dedication to quality fruit production. Today, the second generation of the founding families continues the tradition of producing high quality wine using responsible farming practices.
The Carpineto estate includes more than 1,000 acres of vineyards across Tuscany. Their Montepulciano Estate is specifically dedicated to Vino Nobile production. The designation “Nobile” (noble) is significant. It originated in the practice of reserving the best wine exclusively for aristocratic and noble families of the region.
Carpineto is especially proud of its commitment to sustainability. The website notes: “Carpineto is prodigiously carbon footprint positive. Our forests, olive groves and vineyards absorb 26 percent more carbon than the emissions from our production processes.”
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a red wine region—very predominantly sangiovese—that surrounds the town of Montepulciano. The grape-growing and winemaking history has documented evidence from 789 CE. Trade and export rules were established in documents in 1350. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano mentions date from 1685. When you are sip this, you sip history.
Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Toscana Riserva DOCG 2019 evolves in glass or decanter into a excellent expression of sangiovese in the Nobile di Montepulciano tradition. Sophisticated, elegant, complex. Impressive structure augurs for significant aging potential. Pairings: the wine demands food that can stand with its structure and elegant character—wild boar, venison, bison, game birds—pheasant, guinea fowl, duck; red meats, especially aged beef. The proteins and fat in steaks play well with the tannins and emphatic flavors of the wine; rich, tomato-based pasta dishes; wild mushroom risotto; salmon with mushroom crust; roasted poultry with fig and balsamic reduction. Cheese—parmigiano-reggiano, aged manchego, aged gouda, aged cheddar with nutty flavors, pecorino romano; gorgonzola dolce. $28
