Anyone Want To Raise Their Hand?

One question we were continually asked on professional wine examinations was this:

What's the difference between Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo?

Anyone want to raise their hand?

This simple question often stumps the uninitiated, but once you know a little bit about the appellation laws in Italy it's rather easy to understand the answer. In the first example, the wine is Vino Nobile and it's from the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany. In the second example, the wine is Montepulciano and it's from the town of Abruzzo. The "di" (or the d') is the clue; it means "of" or "from" if you prefer.

Now here's where Italy will get you every time, unless you want to study for several hundred hours to pass an exam. Vino Nobile is a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) wine. So what's that mean? DOCG is the highest and most prestigious wine appellation in Italy. Think of it as the top of the pyramid. There are six DOCGs in Tuscany, one of which is Vino Nobile.

However, Vino Nobile is not the grape. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a red wine comprised mainly of Prugnolo Gentile which is one of the 30 or so different names given to the grape Sangiovese in this magical land of frustration. You might recognize some of the other names for Sangiovese, such as Brunello (di Montalcino), Morellino (di Scansano), or Sangieveto. You may also know that Sangiovese is the main grape in Chianti (a minimum of 80% Sangiovese must be used in order for a wine to be called Chianti in Tuscany).

In our second example, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, the grape is actually Montepulciano. Sooooo, here's the takeaway: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a red wine made primarily from the grape Sangiovese from the town of Montepulciano. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a red wine made from the grape Montepulciano hailing from the town of Abruzzo.

Glad that's out of the way. Now that class is officially over, let's talk about our very special Vino Nobile di Montepulciano which was awarded Italy's highest and most prestigious honor, a Tre Bicchieri (three glasses) award from Gambero Rosso. And, yes, this is a very big deal.

Fattoria del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2010 (DOCG)

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is the most classic and famous of the wines produced by Fattoria del Cerro. It's 90% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese), 5% Colorino and 5% Mammolo. When you stick your beak in the glass, aromas of wild black cherry, violet and vanilla flood your senses. One sniff and you know where you are -- overlooking the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany.

"The 2010 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is laced with iron, smoke, tobacco, black cherries and scorched earth. Firm tannins provide the backbone for this deeply expressive, layered Vino Nobile. Here, too, all the elements are very much in balance. Drinking window: 2014 - 2025" (Antonio Galloni)

"Evoking bright cherry and spice flavors, this red is medium-bodied and elegant. Displays good grip and moderate length on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 2,917 cases made." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 88 points

This alone should peak your interest.

Awarded Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri!!!

This soft, smooth and refined red has Tuscany written all over it -- it's earthy and pleasantly dusty, yet somehow elevated at the same time. Classic pairings include grilled meats, roasted white meats and medium-aged cheeses, but you could even go out on a limb and have it with clams like we did the other night.

Regularly $19.99/bottle. Now on sale for just $15.99/bottle or a very special $147/12-pack solid case ($12.25/bottle). This sale is limited to quantities on hand, aka, this juice was a favor and there isn't a whole lot of it.

One shot only. Sale starts now.

This is the end of this spectacular vintage and of course the very last of this Tre Bicchieri wine.

Ciao!

* Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certified *

Town Center Wine & Spirits Cape Cod's Most Trusted Wine Merchant

Location 4550 State Highway North Eastham, MA 02651 (Next to the Royal Thai Restaurant in the Town Center Plaza) Tel: 508 255 3660 Fax: 508 255 6736

Spring Hours Mon-Sat: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m Sunday: 12 to 6 p.m.   We're open year round. Closed only on Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.