Corte alla Flora, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (Tuscany, Italy) 2012

Fine Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines are among Italy’s best renditions of Sangiovese, but they remain under-appreciated due to their rather cumbersome name, which doesn’t quite roll off the tongue like “Chianti Classico.”  Lamentable though that may be, it also provides an opportunity for savvy wine lovers.  This excellent Vino Nobile shows superb balance and integration, with delicate aromas of pressed flowers, dried cherries and subtle spices, with all of these notes echoed on the palate.  The acidity is refreshing but not overly tart, and the fine-grained tannins are very well tuned to the moderate weight of the wine.  Already quite complex and thoroughly enjoyable, this will improve for several more years…though patience will be difficult to manage once you’ve tasted it.