Salcheto Nobile di Montepulciano 2019

“Dusty dried flowers, crushed rocks, lavender and red currants can all be found as the 2019 Nobile di Montepulciano opens in the glass. This floods the palate with silky textural waves contrasted by tart wild berry fruits and a salty sensation brought on by pronounced minerality toward the close. The result is both savory and sweet and full of zesty tension, as the 2019 finishes with a bitter cherry pit twang. Drinking window: 2023-2029. 91 points

The zero-carbon-footprint Salcheto winery, located just east of the town among some of the region’s highest elevations (ranging up to 450 meters), provides stunning views of Montepulciano, All vineyards are located around the winery, planted in sandy clay soils. Winemaker Michele Manelli has been an advocate of varietal Sangiovese for well over a decade, explaining, “I think there are no other varietals which can express a unique and harmonious identity than Sangiovese in our area, particularly when used on its own, although never the same year after year, but recognizable.” The Vecchie Viti del Salco, a single-vineyard bottling, will most likely be upgraded to the Pieve designation over time. This is an example of a wine that fit into the Pieve parameters long before the designation was created. While visiting the winery, I also tasted several back vintages, showing how well these wines age, including the 2008 Vino Nobile, a varietal Sangiovese that was perfectly balanced and mature.”

Eric Guido, Vinous (02/23)