“PREVIEW” OF VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO: 2008 WAS A GOOD HARVEST BUT THE 2007 RESERVE SEEMS TO HAVE A PLUS, SAYS WINENEWS (FRANCO PALLINI & ANTONIO BOCO) OF THE SAMPLE WINE TASTING

The 2008 vintage and the 2007 Reserve of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano were presented at the 2011 Preview and the in the glass feeling was good. This is the general opinion of the Winenews staff that tasted the two vintages, which will soon be put on the market.
In particular, the 2008 (4-star rating, according to the Consortium of Nobile) can be considered among the good vintages but certainly not among the exceptional ones. Characterized by normal conditions, but with some deficiencies on the grape ripeness curve, the drastic changes in weather at harvest time became a critical issue and eventually influenced the outcome. The result is confirmed in the glass as good quality wines, with perhaps only a deficit in personality. The 2007 vintage Reserve is a different story: it is five stars, warmer than 2008, but much more interesting. The wines have a greater consistency and in many cases have good character and personality. To further complicate formulating a more definitive opinion on the 2008 vintage, there is the presence of a truly massive amount of not yet bottled samples of wines for tasting, which certainly does not help make a clear picture. Of the wines the WineNews staff selected, the 2008 vintage of Nobile di Poliziano stands out for its aromas and soft, measured taste. The 2008 Nobile di Montepulciano di Nottola has a fresh and fragrant flavor profile, with intense notes of licorice and a sweet, balanced taste. The 2008 Nobile of Icaro is sweet and embracing, while the wine of Godilo has a great response. The 2008 Nobile de La Braccesca (Antinori) rolls in the mouth and has a clean nose. the Nobile della Ciarliana is dense and with a good acidic verve. Savory tannins and good texture distinguish the Nobile Tre Rose of the Angelini Estates.

Noteworthy, among the 2008 Nobile wines “selection”, are the Vigna d’Alfiero of the Valdipiatta Estate, a well-balanced wine with scents of chocolate and cinnamon and fine tannins and the “citrusy” Parceto of Poggio alla Sala.

Among the 2007 Reserves, Fattoria del Cerro stands out for its balance and freshness. The Bossona di Caterina Dei Reserve is also very good and well made. Nobile Reserve of Carpineto is powerful and vital.