2021 Poliziano - Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone (750ml)

Producer

Poliziano was founded in 1961 when Dino Carletti purchased the original 55 acre property near the village of Gracciano, just below Montepulciano. His son Federico took over full time in 1980 and has since expanded the estate to more than 500 acres, building it into one of the region's most respected names. The winery takes its name from the poet Angelo Ambrogini, known as Il Poliziano, whose portrait still hangs in the estate's tasting room.

Growing and Production

Asinone comes from a 12 hectare single vineyard of marine origin blue clay, first bottled separately in 1983 and now considered the estate's flagship wine. The vines here range from around 30 to 60 years old, farmed organically and made entirely from Sangiovese, locally known as Prugnolo Gentile. The wine matures fully in French oak tonneaux, about half of them new, a style that has shifted over recent vintages away from smaller barriques toward these larger vessels and casks for a gentler touch of wood.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 shows a darkly floral, intense character, with crushed blackberry and cherry fruit set against notes of ashen stone and sage. The palate is cool toned and sleek, carrying tart wild berries and violet tones through a grippy, chewy structure with edgy tannins and a mouthwatering finish. It pairs well with grilled venison, wild boar ragu, or a peppery aged pecorino.