Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
Aromas of walnuts, blackberry, and blueberry follow through to a full body, firm tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Very structured and rich. Give it a year or two to come together, but already excellent.
-
Wine & Spirits
The west-facing Asinone vineyard takes its name from the fact that it resembles the back of a mule. Perched on a steep slope at an elevation of 1,250 to 1,300 feet, it was first planted with prugnolo gentile in 1961. The 2012 vintage is full-bodied and dense, with flavors of macerated black cherry and plum dusted with dried thyme and oregano. The flavors linger, vibrant, spicy and herbal. Match its richness and tannic structure to bistecca fiorentina.
-
Wine Enthusiast
Made entirely with Sangiovese, this offers aromas of spicy plum, violet, blackberry, toast and a whiff of oak-driven spice. The firmly structured palate delivers black cherry, clove, anise and a note of grilled sage alongside assertive tannins that leave an astringent finish. Give it time to unwind. Drink 2017–2025.
Poliziano is located on the slopes below Montepulciano near the village of Gracciano. On these ridges, at the best altitudes and positions, are the vineyards of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The Poliziano Estate was founded in 1961 when Federico Carletti's father, Dino, purchased 55 acres. Today it consists of over 500 acres.
After taking his degree in agriculture, Federico Carletti worked in northern Italy. In 1980 he returned to Tuscany and began working full time on his father's estate. In the past two decades, Federico has created some of the finest wines in this top quality wine-producing area. Federico chose the name "Poliziano" because he loved the work of a renowned native poet, Angelo Ambrogini. Angelo was known as Il Poliziano, because he came from Montepulciano. Angelo's portrait hangs in the tasting room in the center of the estate. Some of Poliziano's wines, such as Le Stanze, were named after the poet.
Federico thinks of himself "as a farmer", because he is "convinced that fine wines originate in the vineyard. Selected clones, planting layouts, rootstock, pruning methods and training systems are chosen with the sole object of ensuring the quality of the grapes. This is the starting point for my wines: they are made only from grapes grown on the estate, respecting their original vintage and the typicality of the area they come from.”
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.