Avignonesi, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, 2005
I really want to like Italian wines. The history. The diversity. All those names to learn -- is that a village or is that a grape (maybe both). But it's rare for me to find a Chianti that I really like. This, however, isn't a Chianti exactly. This wine is from the DOCG region located in Tuscany, just south of Chianti, and is composed mostly of Sangiovese (like a Chianti). But this was different.
The nose was chemical at first, and then vanilla/wood, vegetable (maybe artichoke, maybe brussel sprout). The vanilla is both subtle and prominent. It's intertwined in the other aromas. There was a hint of violet in there too. Very nice nose.
The taste was smooth. Earthy. And a bit musty -- not exactly dirt, not peat, not barnyard ... more veggie I suppose. But then, this is Sangiovese, and the finish was light to medium -- lighter than the smell might lead one to believe. Cherry. Wood. And red leaf lettuce (seriously).
Overall, I really liked this wine. However, this is not your garden-variety cheap Chianti (it's not really a Chianti of course), so you have to pay for that goodness.
Cost:
Rating:
8.0