2016 | Avignonesi | Riserva Grandi Annate

Very pretty cherry and berry character with hints of citrus and cedar. It’s medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely length. 100% sangiovese. From biodynamically grown grapes.

Producer Information

Avignonesi is a wine producer in the Montepulciano region of southern Tuscany. It is well known for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, made from the Sangiovese variety, and its Vin Santo, which is the most sought-after on Wine-Searcher. The estate was founded in 1974 by the Avignonesi family. It was acquired by Virgine Saverys (of Belgian shipping dynasty, the Saverys family) in 2009, who expanded the estate significantly. It now comprises 175 hectares of vineyards, and has a new, state-of-the-art winemaking facility. Saverys also established it as a leader in biodynamic viticulture in the country. Avignonesi is certified organic, biodynamic (Biodyvin) and vegan. In total, Avignonesi has nine vineyards: eight in Montepulciano, and one in the small commune of Cortona, which is a little way to the northeast of Montepulciano. Soil types vary widely, while the rolling hills offer different aspects and elevations. A trio of entry-level Toscana IGT wines are made under the Cantaloro banner. The red combines Sangiovese with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, while the rosé is 100-percent Sangiovese. The white is based mainly on Malvasia Toscana, Trebbiano and Sangiovese vinified as a white wine. The core of the portfolio is the Rosso di Montalcino, "standard" Vino Noble, and the single-vineyard Poggetto di Sopra. The former has six months in oak, the Vino Nobile 18 months in large casks and barriques, and the latter 24 months, mostly in second-use French barriques. A number of other IGT Toscana wines are also made. Da-Di is an organic Sangiovese made in terracotta vessels, while Grande Annate is a Sangiovese only made in the best years. La Tonda is a single-vineyard Sangiovese made to be sold exclusuvely at the estate. Grifi combines Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Desiderio is 100-percent Merlot, previously classified under the Cortona DOC. 50:50 is a collaboration with Capanelle in Chianti, containing 50 percent Sangiovese from the latter, and 50 percent Merlot from Avignonesi. Its first vintage was the 1988. Il Marzocco is the sole main-label white wine. It mostly aged in used French oak barrels, though new French oak, a concrete egg, a cement egg and amphorae are also used. The Vin Santo di Montepulciano combines Trebbiano and Malvasia Toscana, while the Occhio di Pernice Vin Santo di Montepulciano is made from Sangiovese. The finest grapes from the harvest are left to dry on bamboo racks for several months, allowing the sugars to concentrate as the water evaporates. These grapes then undergo a gentle pressing and are fermented and then aged in small, 50-liter oak barrels for 10 years, with a further year in bottle before release. Avignonesi also makes grappa, olive oil and honey.

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