2020 Carpineto - Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva (750ml)

Carpineto was founded in 1967 by Antonio Zaccheo and Giovanni Sacchet and now farms about 500 hectares across four Tuscan estates in prestigious appellations. Its Montepulciano holdings cover 84.5 hectares of dry-farmed vineyards on rolling hills, where Sangiovese, known locally as Prugnolo Gentile, is the principal grape.

Montepulciano takes its name from the Renaissance town in the province of Siena, and "Nobile" is thought to recall a time when production was reserved for the town's noble families. This 2020 Riserva blends 90 percent Sangiovese with 10 percent Canaiolo. Skins macerate with the must for 10 to 15 days at controlled temperatures, with gentle pump-overs. The wine then ages for two years in large 5,500 liter Slavonian oak barrels, with a small portion in French oak. After bottling, it rests six to eight months in temperature-controlled cellars before release. It finishes at 14 percent alcohol.

Brilliant ruby shading toward garnet, it opens with red fruit, violet, and subtle oak spice. The palate is velvety and finely textured, balanced and graceful, leading to a lovely, long finish.