Avignonesi is one of the benchmark estates of Montepulciano: founded in 1974, since 2009 it has been led by Virginie Saverys, who converted all the vineyards to organic and biodynamic farming (Bio, Demeter/Biodyvin and Vegan certified). The Vino Nobile DOCG is the red in which the house expresses the appellation in its most classic form, alongside the Poggetto di Sopra and Late Release bottlings.
It is a pure Sangiovese, the Prugnolo Gentile of Montepulciano, from vineyards on clay and limestone soils. The grapes, hand-picked and sorted, ferment spontaneously in stainless steel with up to 30 days on the skins; the wine then matures for about 18 months in wood, between French barriques and Slavonian oak casks.
2022 was a dry year, with a dry winter, precious April rains and a drought-stricken summer; good day-night temperature swings before harvest preserved freshness. In the glass it is a lively purple-red, with red berries, pomegranate and violet, then ripe cherry, plum and liquorice, well-defined tannins and a persistent finish. With ragù, red meat, game and aged cheeses.
At a glance: 100% Sangiovese · 14% ABV · 0.75 l · Avignonesi, Montepulciano