La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2004

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is the third, or perhaps fourth, wine of Tuscany, less famous than Chianti, Brunello or the so-called "super-Tuscans" (made from international grapes). While it lacks the reknown of these other styles, Vino Nobile more than makes up in value. Kelly and I spent a fantastic two week biking holiday in Tuscany a couple of years ago, just about 20 km from the vineyards where La Braccesca is grown, and by the end of our stay we found ourselves mostly drinking Vino Nobile instead of the equally local Chianti or Brunello. We preferred the richer style of the Vino Nobile as compared to Chianti, and Brunello is outrageously expensive even in in the region where it is made.

Like Chianti and Brunello, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is made solely or primarily from Sangiovese (called Prugnolo Gentile in this region). (Note that Vino Nobile is not made from the Montepulciano grape, which is grown mainly in the south.) La Braccesca, from Antinori, is a blend of 90% Sangiovese with 10% Merlot. It is not particularly long or complex, but it has very satisfying flavours in the dark fruit & leather range, supported by a beautiful elegant structure with fresh acidity and tannins that are a welcome middle ground between the softness of something like the Privada and the grippiness of the Bocca di Lupo. BTW, Wine Spectator also gave this a 90.

Price: $30.29
Score: 90
Value: 4/5
Alcohol: 13.5%
Tasted: Sept 2008
ANBL UPC: 8001935001386