Posted By Joel on August 11, 2010

Crociani Vino Nobile Riserva 2001, DOCG

Let’s begin with mental exercise:

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

                       v
                       i
                  montepulciano
                       o        r
                                 o
                       n        c
                       o        i
                       b        a
                       i         n
                       l         i
                       e

ACROSS - Tuscan hill town where Prugnolo Gentile is the local name for Sangiovese

DOWN - Ancient, noble wine of Montepulciano

DOWN AGAIN - Montepulciano wine producer making Prugnolo Gentile wines of staggering beauty

Yes, staggering beauty. Really. Wines like Crociani Vino Nobile Riserva 2001 should be required by the DOC/G to carry an additional label notation of “IBI”:

Intense Beauty Inside

But the Real Puzzle is this: how is it that wine this good is currently available in only five US States?

Located in the heart of the Vino Nobile production zone (read: Montepulciano), the 10 or so hectares of Crociani estate vineyards are planted primarily to Prugnolo Gentile, some Canaiolo Nero, and a small percentage of Mammolo and white varieties.

Crociani Vino Nobile Riserva 2001 is made from hand harvested grapes in the order of 75% Prugnolo, 15% Canaiolo, 10% Mammalo grown in medium textured soil.

Vinification / maceration are carried out over 18-22 days, the wine is then matured in wood for approximately 30 months followed by an additional 6 months in bottle.

As usual, I performed the technical tasting alone and away from the dinner table. You’ll see my notes below. But, I thought you might be interested in what a new generation of wine lovers had to say about this wine while finishing the open bottle at dinner. Their coments:

“Fantastic…one of the most memorable wines…”
“The wine’s nose…just blows me away…”
“Simply outstanding…”
“The epitome of Italian wine…”

Tasting Notes / Impressions:

Gorgeous gemstone ruby color with early bricking at the edges. Scents of violets, cherries, eucalyptus, rosemary hover in a sensational perfumed cloud above the glass. A big, satin palate of black cherry with hints of milk chocolate finishes long, attended by spectacular refined tannins. Superb balance and structure.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

MEATS: roasts of pork, veal, beef, lamb…pork or lamb are especially good when roasted with herbs like rosemary / sage; roast chicken, turkey, duck…consider wrapping a chicken with bacon or pancetta before roasting (not recommended with duck); PASTA: pappardelle with rabbit or duck ragu; rigatoni with sausage and caramelized vegtables served rosemary marina;VEGETARIAN: Seitan “steaks” with rosemary; rigatoni pasta with a rich ragu of herbs, diced eggplant, onion, celery and chevre (goat cheese); ravioli filled with chopped mushroom and ricotta cheese, served with marinara.

$$

Categories: $$ ($25-$50), Tuscany, Uncategorized, Wine
Tags: Montepulciano, Sangiovese