 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2005
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.
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."
"The estate's 2005 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is an accessible, easygoing wine. The wine offers an attractive perfumed quality to its fruit, with excellent length and poise. It should drink well over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012."
88 points, Wine Advocate, june 2008
 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2004 Grandi Annate
This wine is proof that Montepulciano has vineyards that can compete with the best of Tuscany. Only made in great years and from 85% Prugnolo Gentile and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon it is a wine for the collector!
Big and youthful with aromas that range from dark chocolate, cocoa powder and spice to dried cherries to mint, cedar, sun dried olives and old leather. The palate is youthful, but showing concentrated cherry syrup and young tannins. While it will improve with time in the cellar, it would certainly not be too young to decant and introduce to a grilled ribeye with garlic and fresh herbs.
"Offers notes of chocolate-covered cherry, with raspberry jam and hints of coffee bean and vanilla bean. Full-bodied, with polished tannins and a long, rich finish. Exotic and exciting. This can't be anything else. Best after 2010."
95 points, Wine Spectator Insider, August 2008
 Desiderio Cortona Merlot DOC 2004
Cortona may be familiar to some as the setting for the book and later the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun", but winegrowing has been an important industry here since Etruscan times. The DOC was implemented in 1999 after great effort by the best winegrowers to establish an identity for themselves. Interestingly, no vines for Cortona DOC can be planted below 850 feet above sea level.
This Merlot based "Super Tuscan" is rich, silky and sexy. Luscious and vibrant at the same time. It offers unbelievable value when considering the other Merlot based Tuscan wines in the market, notably Tua Rita's Redigaffi and Ornellaia's Masseto.
"The 2005 Cortona Merlot Desiderio is a plump, juicy wine loaded with sweet dark fruit, plums, chocolate and toasted oak. This supple wine possesses excellent up-front weight, but the intensity trails off a little on the mid-palate. It, too, should drink well relatively early. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015."
89 points, Wine Advocate, June 2008 |
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From vineyard management, to winemaking, to marketing, the dynamic brothers Ettore, Alberto, and Leonardo Falvo have established a reputation for excellence. The expertise of the Avignonesi team in operating several different estates has led to significant expansion of the Company. Classica di Avignonesi encompasses the original property in Montepulciano, Rocca di Castagnoli in Chianti Classico and Santa Barbara in Marche.