Avignonesi Late Release 2016 is a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano made from 100% Sangiovese and released after almost ten years in the estate's cellars. Time is an essential part of the concept: the same wine, preserved at its place of origin, can now be tasted at a mature stage that highlights the depth of the 2016 vintage.

The value of time for Sangiovese

The 2016 season allowed slow, even ripening and ended with cool, breezy conditions. Fermentation is spontaneous and skin maceration can last up to about 30 days depending on the lot. Ageing lasts 18 months mainly in large Slavonian oak casks and barriques, followed by extended bottle ageing in the Avignonesi cellars.

An organic, awarded vintage

2016 marks an important milestone for the estate: it was Avignonesi's first certified-organic Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Production of this Late Release is limited to 9,000 bottles. The vintage received 93/100 from James Suckling and 93/100 from Wine Enthusiast.

Profile and serving

The wine shows garnet reflections with warm orange hues. The nose combines ripe red fruit, sour cherry and dried plum with forest floor, candied orange, liquorice and cocoa. The palate is warm and soft, with silky tannins, excellent drinkability and a long finish. Serve at 16-18 °C; ideal with savoury first courses, red meats, game and aged cheeses.