Introduction: Poderi Boscarelli has been the benchmark producer in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano since 1962, now guided by the third-generation De Ferrari Corradi family with legendary consultant Maurizio Castelli. Il Nocio is the estate's crown jewel — a single-vineyard Prugnolo Gentile from the 4-hectare Vigna del Nocio cru acquired in 1988, with only ~5,000 bottles produced annually. The 2021 earned a 97-point aggregate — the estate's highest-scoring vintage on record.

Terroir: The Vigna del Nocio sits in the Cervognano sub-zone at 280–350 meters, with distinctive alluvial soils combining clearly differentiated sandy and clay zones. This complex soil mosaic is the source of Il Nocio's signature layered minerality and the balance between power and finesse that sets it apart from the estate's other wines.

Appearance: Dark, concentrated ruby with a vivid, youthful core.

Nose: Austere and compelling — pure black cherry and ripe dark berries, earthy minerality, dried underbrush, and tobacco. With air, violet and balsamic notes emerge. James Suckling: "A dark, austere wine with super-youthful style and vibrant complexity — pure black cherries allied with earthy minerality."

Palate: Full-bodied and tightly wound, with firm, velvety tannins and a juicy, supple mid-palate of concentrated dark fruit, mineral complexity, and lively Prugnolo Gentile acidity. The 18–24 months in small French and Slavonian oak vats (5–10 hl) are seamlessly integrated. Suckling: "very juicy and supple palate, concentrated fruit and a crisp finish — tight and thick yet ripe."

Finish: Exceptional length — dark cherry, tobacco, spice, and saline mineral notes linger with precision and elegance. Best after 2025.

Food Pairings:
🥩 Meat: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar braised with juniper, or rack of lamb with black truffle.
🥦 Vegetarian: Black truffle tagliatelle or a wild mushroom and barley risotto.
🧀 Charcuterie Board: Aged Pecorino di Pienza, Parmigiano Reggiano stagionato, lardo, and dark chocolate.

Overall Impression: A single-vineyard Vino Nobile that competes without hesitation alongside the finest Brunellos and Barolos. Cellar-worthy and serious, yet already showing the hallmarks of a great vintage. Decant 1–2 hours; serve at 64–66°F; drink 2026–2040+.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14% (verify on bottle)
Farming Practices: Estate viticulture; hand harvest; native yeasts; massal clone selections since 1991; no irrigation
Producer Name: Poderi Boscarelli (De Ferrari Corradi family; consulting winemaker Maurizio Castelli)
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany (Cervognano, Vigna del Nocio) Grape Varietals: Sangiovese Prugnolo Gentile 100%
Vintage: 2021
Wine Style: Dry Red — Full-bodied, structured, and built for long aging. Among Italy's most compelling single-vineyard Sangiovese expressions, combining serious concentration with the mineral precision and acidity that defines great Prugnolo Gentile. Red Winemaking Techniques: Hand harvest; fermentation in open oak vats with native yeast; each parcel vinified separately; aged 18–24 months in French and Slavonian oak vats (5–10 hl); final blend assembled post-aging; unfiltered
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork