Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2019 – Boscarelli.
When thinking of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, our mind naturally goes to gastronomy. Good food, excellent hospitality and the beauty of the Italian spirit. This wine embodies that feeling, reminiscent of a lovely time. In this review we discuss the 2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva, produced by Poderi Boscarelli, as part of our project “Tuscany, a Journey through Five Lenses”.
The Winery
Egidio Corradi’s dream became reality in the ‘60s when he initiated the Boscarelli philosophy by producing a noble wine in the Montepulciano region. The annual differences and small vineyards made it a remarkable challenge to make wine in the village.
Nowadays it is the third generation of the family that creates the wines and exultates it to the market. They use native varieties such as Mammolo Canaiolo and Colorino. In terms of cultivation, Boscarelli also utilizes international varieties as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The latter are of course often used in the so-called ‘Super Tuscan’ wines.
Their intriguing respect for tradition and terroir, results in a range of wines true to type and needless to say; well-made. Boscarelli has grown out to be an award-winning winery by world renowned critics like Wine Spectator, Robert Parker, Decanter and James Suckling.
The Region
In this review we are focussing on a wine from the D.O.C.G. (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a Tuscan appellation that centres around the mountain village of Montepulciano. The key grape variety in this D.O.C.G. is Sangiovese, or more specifically the Sangiovese clone “Sangiovese Pruno Gentile”.Like any other appellation there is a consortium that sets and guards the rules, the Consorzio Vino Nobile also has rules for the wines that are produced as “Riserva” wines.
The Consorzio states that the blend must be at least 70% Sangiovese, the rest can be filled by other Tuscany allowed varieties. In terms of regulated ageing, Riserva wines must meet a minimum alcohol level of 13.0%. On another note, by Consorzio law, the wines must have aged for at least three years, of which six months must be in bottle.
The Wine
This Riserva was first made in 1992, but it was only in 2010 when they made the wine again. Marking 20 years that they have not made this wine. This 2019 vintage was a cold and dry one for Tuscany, which can result in a fresh and lively acidity much like the 2018 vintage. The current 2019 vintage is a blend of 90% Sangiovese Prugnolo Gentile perfected with 10% Colorino.
On the colour we note a typical garnet colour, showing some graceful development due to winemaking regulation. The statutory ageing naturally and pleasantly gives the wine a developing character. The scent proves our initial thought that the wine is developing beautifully. Showing notes of chocolate, vanilla, fresh thyme, earth, plum and liquorice. Fresh red cherry as well. The palate is lovely and fresh, with marking medium + acidity, truly well-structured and ripe medium + tannins and a long finish.
We predict excellent ageing potential and are intrigued to see what happens with 5 more years of ageing. The expectation is met, and this wine shows what it should, excellence. We award this Vino Nobile Riserva with a 92 point DWA score.
Tuscany, a Journey through Five Lenses
This review is part of our project “Tuscany, a Journey through Five Lenses”. In this project we travel through one of the most exciting parts of Italy and show its different faces interpreted through leading wineries. We do this through wine reviews, background articles and interviews.
The regions we discuss are Tuscany IGP, Chianti, Bolgheri, Montepulciano and Montalcino. Boscarelli is our guide through the Montepulciano appellation.
To stay updated about this special project subscribe to our newsletter, by clicking here. More information about the project can be found here.
Other wines by Boscarelli we are going to review:
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Costa Grande 2019
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Sotto Casa Riserva 2019
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Il Nocio 2019
This wine is reviewed by our own Benjamin Roelfs. Boscarelli is imported in the Netherlands by Pallas Wines, and available through associated restaurants and retailers.
Price: €37,50
Taste date: July 2023
Score: 92/100 DWA Score
Website: Boscarelli