It's celebration time with Poliziano!

This past Labor Day weekend I finally celebrated my own labor and the birth of our son Remy whom was born on July 3^rd at a healthy 8 pounds and 10 ounces It's been a LONG time since I've enjoyed a glass of wine, but the sacrifices have been all worth it.  I enjoy waiting to open some of my special bottles for special occasions and what a special life changing occasion it has been. With so many bottles I have brought back from Italy it was hard to select one, but I chose my 2004 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano that I brought back from my visit at their winery many years ago.

About Poliziano

I've written about Poliziano a couple times on my site when I wrote about wineries in Italy that use cement tanks in their winemaking and I also included them on my top 5 winery recommendations in Tuscany. Poliziano was started in 1961and have increased their vineyard acreage from 22 to 120 hectacres (49 to 297 acres) over the years. There are a number of single vineyards that they own including Asinone, Casale, Pozzi, Valiano, Lama and Caggiole with soils that are rocky and that include volcanic clay.

What makes up Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Vino nobile, meaning “noble wine”, is produced in the south eastern part of Tuscany. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano became a recognized DOCG status in 1980. To be recognized as a DOCG wine it must contain at least 70% of the sangiovese grape, here known as prugnolo gentile, along with 30% other grapes from Montepulciano. It also must age at least 2 years plus an additional year for the riserva. There are also some additional requirements including yield restrictions, etc.

A more affordable Vino Nobile

A step down from the DOCG level is the Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, a younger wine, more affordable, and not held to as strict standards. Of course it will never be a Vino Nobile, but it could be a more affordable option for some to get a sense of Montepulciano where these grapes are grown.

The 2004 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano that I tasted was produced with 85% prugnolo gentile and 15% a blend of colorino, canaiolo and merlot. It's aged between 14-16 months partly in French oak barriques and tonneaux that are 20% new and partly in traditional casks. Garnet in color and ruby red around the rim.  This wine first had firm tannins that became more balanced with the ripe cherry fruit as time went on.  A nicely structured wine with a persistent finish.  Poliziano recommends aging this wine 10-12 years and I felt this wine was still drinking well and definitely benefited from decanting. It was very smooth, if not better, even the next day. This wine was rated 88 points Wine Spectator and was awarded the “due bicchieri rossi” for the 2005 Gambero Rosso.

Many of you have visited wineries and know there is no better way to learn about the land, the grapes, the climate and the history than putting yourself amidst all the wonder that goes into creating what's in our glasses. If you can find yourself wandering the vineyards of Italy that's even better. Montepulciano is a great town in Tuscany to visit as well, but bring your walking shoes as it's a hike to the top to reach Piazza Grande.

Wine tasting in Piazza Grande. Sometimes you gotta be silly!

Salute to the special occasions in your life!  Life is too short...enjoy!

Information sourced by Poliziano.

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