The 2017 In Violas (Merlot) is soft, plummy and ready to go. Succulent dark cherry, leather, tobacco, spice and earthy tones meld together in this expressive Cortona Merlot. A host of earthy, ferrous notes add character on the finish.
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Founded in 1961 by Dino Carletti, the Poliziano estate is a perfect example of how a relentless quest for perfection has achieved remarkable results. Starting with only 54 acres in the commune of Montepulciano, the estate has now grown to over 640 acres under the direction of Dino’s son, Federico Carletti. While Carletti’s children—Francesco and Maria Stella—who represent the next generation are diligently studying to assume roles in the business, Carletti avidly keeps an eye on the future of their winery. He is an agronomist, but he prefers to think of himself as a farmer because he is convinced that great wines originate in the vineyard. In addition to his superior knowledge of the vineyards, his enthusiasm for his land and creating a superior product are infectious.
Carletti’s work at Poliziano estate has always been focused on achieving perfection with as little intervention as possible. While this sounds counterintuitive—it has worked. Over the years, he has eliminated less favorably positioned sites and replanted where the soil and climate were optimal. The selection of clones—many from the estate’s own original plant material—the planting layouts, rootstock choices, pruning methods and training systems are all meticulously chosen. Dense plantings, but only up to a maximum of 2,000 plants per acre, are harvested parcel by parcel in every vintage at Poliziano. This is to pay respect to the different terroirs that exist in Montepulciano. Today, Poliziano produces more than 83,000 cases from about 400 organically farmed acres in Montepulciano, nearby Cortona and coastal Tuscany's Maremma region. Most of it is Sangiovese. Solar panels power more than 20% of the winery.
In the winery, the same attention to detail is in place, with multiple selections and the use of an optical sorter which allows for small-batch vinifications. However, for the top-end cuvees, Carletti prefers to rely on the human hand to sort. Wood regimes are chosen with an eye to preserving the fruit in the wine, not overpowering it. Multiple container sizes and varieties of oak complement each parcel that ages in the gravity-fed winery.
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LOCATIONWINERY: Montepulciano, Tuscany VINEYARD: Montepulciano, Tuscany; Cortona, Tuscany VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS REGION DETAILS |
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92
APRIL 2021
Poliziano “In Violas” Merlot Cortona DOC 2017
![]() The 2017 In Violas (Merlot) is soft, plummy and ready to go. Succulent dark cherry, leather, tobacco, spice and earthy tones meld together in this expressive Cortona Merlot. A host of earthy, ferrous notes add character on the finish. 95
FEBRUARY 2023
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone DOCG 95
![]() The 2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone is intense with a bouquet of stone dust, dried violets, black currants and cocoa powder. This is elegance exemplified, velvety and soothing, yet energetic, with a dense wave of polished red and black fruits that wash across the palate, leaving minerals and sweet tannins to mingle toward the close. A subtle layer of sour citrus helps enliven the otherwise-structured finale as minty herbal tones slowly fade. The 2019 is a total darling and has the balance to mature beautifully in collectors’ cellars. 92
APRIL 2021
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2017
![]() The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is rich, deep and full of character. There’s not a ton of subtlety here, but to be honest, I don’t think that really matters. The 2017 is incredibly delicious and inviting. Black cherry, mocha, leather and cinnamon infuse this voluptuous, racy Vino Nobile with tons of character. 93
MARCH 2020
Poliziano "Le Caggiole" Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2016
![]() Made entirely with Sangiovese, this has aromas of mature black-skinned fruit, exotic spice, camphor and whiffs of French oak. Firmly structured but elegant, the linear palate delivers Marasca cherry, red plum, espresso and licorice framed in tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it fresh and balanced. Drink 2022–2028. 95
AUGUST 2022
Poliziano “Le Stanze del Poliziano” Toscana IGT 2018
![]() The blackcurrants and violets really come through here with hints of sandalwood on the nose. It’s full-bodied with very fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Polished and long. Give it at least three or four years to come around. Try after 2025. 92
DECEMBER 2021
Poliziano "Le Caggiole" Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2017
![]() The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano La Caggiole mixes elegance and intensity, with violet-tinged raspberry preserve and cloves offset by a hint of wet stone. This saturates the palate with a primary concentration of red and black fruits, as zesty acids work to maintain freshness, and saline-mineral tones keep the mouth watering for more. This echoes with salty minerals and residual acids, as the cheeks pucker with youthful tension. 90
JULY 2022
Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 2020
![]() A rich, smooth style, delivering cherry, plum, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Balanced, with a solid line of tannins providing support. Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2025. 12,500 cases made, 4,700 cases imported. 92
SEPTEMBER 2022
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone DOCG 2019
![]() Lushly textured, fresh and harmonious, this red features cherry, plum, sanguine, mineral and herbal aromas and flavors. The finish is persistent, leaving a savory impression. Sangiovese, Colorino and Canaiolo. Best from 2024 through 2032. 2,100 cases made, 200 cases imported. |