Classica di Avignonesi Montepulciano, Tuscany

In the year 1309, Pope Clement V, born Bertrand De Got, moved the papal residence from Rome to Avignon, in the south part of the Rhone Valley. In 1377, when Pope Gregory XI returned to Rome, the Avignonesi family followed him settling down in Rome, Siena and Montepulciano. Like all the noble families of the Middle Age, they owned many hectares of land, among which a good deal were planted with vines, but they would rent them to local farmers instead of being involved in the production of quality wines. In the early 1970s, the Falvo family brought new focus into the region and started to raise Avignonesi's fame by exporting the high-quality wines from the Montepulciano and Cortona areas. In 2008 Virginie Saverys, director of two Belgian shipping companies and a sincere lover of Tuscany and its wines, took the reins of the company, giving Avignonesi renewed support to reinforce its position both in the national and international markets. The safeguard of the strong spiritual heritage that bonds Avignonesi to the areas of Montepulciano and Cortona, together with the expression of their strong and noble characters, is the key to achieve this goal. Frontiers have expanded and new life blood has poured into the company, together with renewed enthusiasm and resources to carry on the quest of establishing Avignonesi as one of the top estates in Tuscany. "Avignonesi is one of Tuscany's most respected producers, with wines that consistently win kudos worldwide. Responsible for its success is fully 30 years of activity at its facility in Valiano, spent both in research, exemplified in its "vigna tonda" (round vineyard) experiment and in tenacious pursuit of its local traditions." Gambero Rosso 2010 To quote Burton Anderson... "The new image of Vino Nobile owes much to this dynamic house whose studied array of wines is rarely rivalled for class and whose packaging is unequalled for design."

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2008 Avignonesi not only made their own fame with Vino Nobile, they are credited with revitalizing the DOC. After more than 25 years, Avignonesi's version continues to be considered one of the best. The wine is made from 80% Prugnolo Gentile (the local name for the clone of Sangiovese), 15% Canaiolo Nero and 5% Mammolo. It was aged for 2 years in small oak barrels, then for 6 months in bottles. It is a soft, nicely rounded wine with silky tannins and a palate of ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit with hints of dark chocolate. While nicely balanced to enjoy now, the wine will age well for 6-8 years. Also available in 375mls Decanter really understands this wine... "Unfortunately very few Vini Nobili di Montepulciano are actually as nobile as their name suggests. The Avignonesi estate is, however, quite the exception! Wonderful depth of colour, a powerful rich raspberry bouquet and a lush, savoury fruitiness. The more traditional use of 70% Slavonian oak and 30% French oak has produced a beautiful mellow oakiness which binds the flavours together." "Avignonesi is a premium producer of Vin Santo and have turned out a dazzling medium-bodied dry red here. Cedar, floral notes and berry fruit on the fragrant nose, it washes over the palate with rich and luscious layered flavour-red cherry, spice-infused black plum, cassis and juicy tangy Bing cherry. This is well structured with some complexity and a lengthy mouth-watering aftertaste. The price-quality ratio skews in your favour, pick up a few for now and medium-term cellaring." 4.5/5 stars, winecurrent.com, May 10, 2011 Aia Vecchia 2007 IGT Toscana "Aromas of plum and dark fruits lead to a full body, with velvety tannins and a soft, caressing finish. Minerally and floral. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2011. 10,800 cases made. SMART BUY" 90 points, Wine Spectator, Oct 2009 "Bright, medium ruby-red. Musky aromas of red cherry, raspberry, tobacco and smoked meat. Round, broad and lush, this forward, easygoing wine conveys a low-acid impression and considerable sweetness to its red fruit, licorice and candied fruit flavours. Finishes with soft tannins and a hint of minerality. A very fruity, almost syrupy style of wine that offers uncomplicated but highly satisfying drinking for the near term. " 90 points, International Wine Cellar, Sept/Oct 2010 Visit Avignonesi All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability. Read the small print for more information.