# Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (2022)

- **Producer:** Avignonesi
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €28
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, blackberry, violet, eucalyptus, liquorice, vanilla, cedar, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Founded in 1974 and acquired in 2009 by Virginie Saverys, Avignonesi is a benchmark estate located in Montepulciano, Tuscany. Under Saverys' direction, the winery underwent a total transformation to become one of Italy's premier certified organic and biodynamic wine estates, encompassing over 175 hectares of vineyards. The estate is also B-Corp certified, reflecting its dedication to sustainable environmental management and ethical social practices. The flagship Vino Nobile di Montepulciano represents the estate's ongoing commitment to pure Sangiovese expression from the Pliocene clay and sand soils of Valiano di Montepulciano.

## Interesting facts

- Since 2010, Avignonesi crafts its flagship Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from 100% Sangiovese instead of blending traditional minor grapes.
- The estate is certified B-Corp and stands as one of the largest 100% biodynamically farmed wineries in Italy.
- Avignonesi operates under the guiding ethos: Working every day to become a good ancestor.

## Food pairing

The high natural acidity and structured fine tannins of pure Tuscan Sangiovese cut effortlessly through rich fats in grilled meats and aged cheeses. Simultaneously, the wine's savory core creates a seamless match for tomato-based ragùs and roasted herbs.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested from biodynamically farmed vineyards located between 270 and 375 meters elevation. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using ambient indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and concrete tanks. Maceration on the skins lasts between 20 to 30 days to extract delicate fine tannins and structure. The wine is aged for 18 months in a combination of Slavonian oak casks and French oak barriques, followed by an additional 6 months of bottle aging before release.