Posted By Joel on February 25, 2009

Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta Rosso di Montepulciano 2006
Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta Rosso di Montepulciano 2007

Eran d’ intorno violette e gigli
fra l’ erba verda, e vaghi fior novelli

Violets bloomed round about and lilies too
                In verdant grass and buds of every hue

                                                   ….ANGELO POLIZIANO, 1454-1494 *

Renaissance scholar and poet Angelo Poliziano, born in Montepulciano, is well known for having written exquisite prose with a great individuality of voice.  The wines of Montepulciano – Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile – like Poliziano, demonstrate a style and polish all their own, decidedly Tuscan, yet distinct from the wines of Chianti and Montalcino.

Both Rosso di Montepulciano  and Vino Nobile are made from predominately Prugnolo Gentile, a variety of Sangiovese local to Montepulciano, grown in the same area.  Of the two, Rosso di Montepulciano is the younger – 2 years aging for the Nobile versus 1 year for the Rosso - and is more expressively simple, being available for bottling the spring after harvest.

Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta produces both Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile.  Vineyards lie at an altitude of about 300 meters with a southeasterly orientation and a loose clay and limestone soil.  The farm re-grafts its own vines to preserve their antique clone stock with the youngest vines being more than 20 years old.  4.5 hectares are dedicated to production of Rossi di Montepulciano. The estate ages its wines using a combination of French tonneaux and Slavonian oak.

Tasting Notes:

Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta Rosso di Montepulciano 2006

Ruby colored and fresh, the Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta Rosso di Montepulciano 2006 conveys with elegant simplicity scents of violet and cherry that continues on the palate and crescendo gently to finish.  Notes of licorice, menthol, rosemary, earth, leather, tobacco.  Medium body, solidly structured core.

Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta Rosso di Montepulciano 2007

Medium ruby color with a perfume of red and black cherries, violets, with the black cherry introducing a slightly moodier feel in comparison to the 2006. On the palate, cherry, blackberry, subtle herb and menthol notes. Very well made, not overly complicated, but elegant and supple. Open bottle held up nicely over 2 days.

Food pairing suggestions:

Classic “pici”, pasta with red sauces, roast pork, roast chicken, rabbit, porcini mushrooms (especially stuffed and done on the grill), bruschetta, pizza

* translation by Lorna de’ Lucchi http://www.elfinspell.com/PolizianoPoem.html

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Categories: $ (Under $25), Featured Producers, Tuscany, Uncategorized, Wine
Tags: Sangiovese