Introduction:
The 2021 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano “Asinone” is a powerful yet refined single-vineyard expression of Sangiovese that stands among the elite wines of Montepulciano. As Poliziano’s flagship cuvée, Asinone showcases depth, structure, and elegance, marrying Tuscan tradition with modern precision. The outstanding 2021 vintage highlights purity of fruit, balance, and long-term aging potential.
Terrior:
The Asinone vineyard lies just south of the town of Montepulciano at elevations between 280–350 meters. South- to southwest-facing slopes maximize sunlight, while clay-rich soils with limestone components provide structure, water retention, and mineral depth. Warm daytime temperatures ensure full ripeness, while cool evenings preserve acidity and aromatic detail—ideal conditions for producing a serious, age-worthy Vino Nobile.
Appearance:
Deep ruby with garnet undertones and a dense, luminous core. The wine shows excellent clarity and slow-forming legs, reflecting concentration and structure.
Nose:
Complex and expressive, offering ripe black cherry, sour cherry, and red plum layered with violet, dried herbs, and sweet spice. Secondary notes of cedar, tobacco, leather, and subtle balsamic tones emerge with air, underscoring its pedigree and vineyard origin.
Palate:
Full-bodied and structured, driven by firm yet polished tannins and vibrant acidity. Flavors of dark cherry, cranberry, and blood orange are interwoven with savory elements of earth, graphite, spice, and tea leaf. Oak is seamlessly integrated, enhancing depth without overshadowing fruit or terroir.
Finish:
Long, persistent, and savory, with lingering red fruit, spice, and mineral grip. The finish tightens gracefully, signaling excellent aging potential.
Food Pairings:
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Meat: Braised beef; roast lamb with rosemary; wild boar ragù
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Vegetarian: Mushroom and truffle risotto; lentils with herbs; roasted eggplant with tomato and thyme
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Charcuterie Board: Aged Pecorino Toscano; Parmigiano-Reggiano; prosciutto di Parma; olives
Overall Impression:
Bringing together its sun-exposed Asinone terroir, deep ruby appearance, layered red-fruit and savory aromatics, structured yet balanced palate, and long, mineral-driven finish, the 2021 Poliziano Asinone Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a benchmark Tuscan wine. Best paired with rich, traditional cuisine, it offers immediate complexity with the structure to evolve beautifully over the next decade or more.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable viticulture; estate-managed single vineyard
Producer Name: Poliziano
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany
Grape Varietals: Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) with small amounts of complementary varieties
Vintage: 2021
Wine Style: Still red; full-bodied; structured; age-worthy
Winemaking Techniques: Hand harvesting; traditional fermentation; extended maceration; aging in French oak barriques and large casks
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Burgundy-style bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork
- Poliziano estate and technical notes for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Tuscan viticultural references
"Darkly floral and intense, the 2021 Nobile di Montepulciano "Asinone" smolders up with an array of crushed blackberries and cherries, all complicated by a whiff of ashen stones. Hints of sage add a lovely lift. Cool-toned and sleek, this washes across the palate with an energetic blend of tart wild berries and complementary violet floral tones. Grippy and pleasantly chewy, the 2021 tapers off with edgy tannins and a tinge of residual acidity that keeps the mouth watering for more. I'm loving the lively nature here. Poliziano has been drastically reducing its use of barriques in favor of tonneaux and large casks, and it really shows here."
94 points, James Suckling:
"A savory, plush Vino Nobile with roasted sesame seeds, spices, ripe plums and citrus. A tight frame of tannins coats the citrusy fruit. Firm, long and a bit chewy now. Needs at least one more year to come around. From organically grown grapes."
"Fresh and balanced, this red features cherry, raspberry, floral, mineral and tobacco flavors. Offers depth and a supple texture offset by a base of gripping tannins. Elegant overall, with fine length."
CHEERS!
ABV: 14.5%