ABOUT: The success of the DOCG Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in Tuscany is largely due to the Falvo brothers, who acquired Avignonesi in 1974 and started to re-energize the property and region surrounding it. Avignonesi got its start as a dessert wine producer, creating what is considered one of the best examples of Vin Santo, and over time became known for their dry wines and has slowly become one of the biggest land owners in the area. Not only do they own a ton of vineyard land, they’re also one of the largest biodynamic operations working today, thanks to their talented biodynamic consultant Adriano Zago. Avignonesi was also the first to introduce international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, proving they could compete with neighboring Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino. Since 2009 the property has been owned by Virginie Saverys with the same vineyard management team working the 250 hectares divided between the Le Badelle, Le Capezzine, Banditella, I Poggetti, La Selva and La Lombarda vineyards. TASTE: Only produced in the best vintages, the Grandi Annate is made from 100% Sagiovese from the Le Badelle and Banditella vineyards. Fermentation was spontaneous with indigenous yeasts and the wine spent 18 months in oak barrels, 20% new. Winemakers note: “Medium ruby red color. The elegant bouquet opens with notes of wild roses, plums and a variety of red fruits, underlined by intriguing scents of sandalwood, myrrh and delicate hints of cloves. The Grandi Annate 2012 is full-bodied yet delicate and round with a fresh acidity and a savoury finish that lingers on the palate”. PAIR: Eggplant caponata, fontina and gruyere mac n che, smoked carrot hummus, penne arrabiata, fajitas with roasted bell peppers, and Sicilian-style potato gratin.
