Just about everyone has tried Chianti, the Tuscan wine made from Sangiovese.  Italian wine enthusiasts (myself included) rave over Brunello, another Tuscan wine made from the Brunello clone of Sangiovese grown in the subdistrict of Montalcino.  But very few Americans are tuned into wines from the Tuscan region of Montepulciano (south of Chianti and Montalcino).  This is a shame, because the area is producing wines of character and interest these days.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a type of Tuscan wine made primarily from the grape "Prugnolo Gentile" (must be 80-100% by DOCG law).   This grape is really just another clonal variant of Sangiovese that thrives in Montepulciano.
 
Nottola is a producer in Montepulciano.  They make three different Vino Nobile di Montepulcianos.  The entry level is simply labeled as Nottola.  The top tier is their Riserva del Fattore.  The middle tier is Nottola's "Vigna del Fattore".  It retails for $30, but I purchased the 2001 vintage for $23.99 at the Harvest Ranch Market in Del Mar's 15th street marketplace.

The wine has the tell-tale signs of a Sangiovese based wine, with a fruit forward immensely likeable wine that can be enjoyed young.  The wine packs a somewhat more brooding, earthy quality than a typical Chianti.  Those who like earthy Bordeaux wines and Italian Brunello will appreciate this wine.  I certainly did.  The wine will drink fine as a stand alone drink, and pairs well with just about any pasta dish, red meat, or stew.

3.5 stars.

 

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