Avignonesi Intense ruby red in colour with a bouquet reminiscent of wild fruits, spices and grass; the taste is round and harmonious. Serving suggestions: It is an outstanding wine, rich in smooth tannins and fullbodied; the ideal complement to even the most hearty dishes. Wine Enthusiast The nose here opens with a blast of cherry cola and mesquite followed by less obvious tones of prunes, plums, chocolate and smoke. This well-priced wine tastes sharp and crisp on the palate but leaves loads of room for its fresh berry flavors to shine through. Score: 87. —Monica Larner, February 28, 2010. Wine Spectator Medium-bodied, with delicate tannins, fresh fruit and a strawberry and dried cherry aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now. Score: 87. —James Suckling, October 2009.

Producer

Avignonesi is one of the most ancient wineries in Italy. The family has been in Montepulciano since the 16th century. In 2009, Virginie Saverys aquired the Avignonesi estate from the Falvo brothers. The Falvo brothers bought the property in 1974 and invested in viticulture (using local varieties such as Prugnolo and introducing new ones including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot), creating a model for making premium Tuscan wines that is still followed today. Avignonesi consists of four wine producing estates that are nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. Le Capezzine includes a traditional vinsantaia (a Vinsanto production facility). I Poggetti, in Montepulciano, produces Vino Nobile. La Selva is dedicated to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. La Lombarda vineyard is planted to Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Nero, and Merlot. Vinsanto from Avignonesi is renowned and celebrated everywhere. Avignonesi’s experimental vineyard, Vigna Tonda (round vineyard), researches how a wine’s quality is influenced by planting density and orientation. The talented wine maker Paolo Trappolini is responsible for the wines.