Ventisei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2016

Ventisei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2016

Grapes: Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt

ABV: 95.5% Sangiovese, 4.5% Merlot

Region: Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy

Winemaker: Eline Aloy

Viniculture: Organic, hand-harvested vineyards in central Tuscany

Winemaking: Wild-yeast fermentation, then aging in large oak barrels for 18 months

“roasted fennel, marjoram, and sage combined with dusty earth”

Eline Aloy was bitten by the wine bug when she visited her mother Virginie working in the winery at Avignonesi, where she’s the lead winemaker. Avignonesi is the largest biodynamic winery in Italy and has helped lead the charge for sustainable and low-impact viticulture in the country Eline is part of the team at Avignonesi, but decided to start her project Ventisei, literally “26” in Italian, based on her age when she started the project. This was also the age she opened a wine bar in Belgium. A certified boss over here.

Being a young female winemaker in a country like Italy can be a challenge, but she’s risen to it, by making outstanding wines and telling her story with beautifully-crafted cuvées that reflect the land they’re grown in. 

If you haven’t heard of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano before, it’s a slightly different expression of Sangiovese from Tuscany, and completely distinct from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, which is a different grape and region. Vino Nobile is like Chianti, but often carries a slightly weightier palate. 

This Ventisei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a blend of almost all Sangiovese, with a small kiss of Merlot. Merlot adds soft, velvety fruit to the tang and snap of Sangiovese, which makes them great blending partners. Black cherry and cranberry notes come together with roasted fennel, marjoram, and sage. Dusty dry earth hits on the finish along with drying tannins and a bright zing of acidity.