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POLIZIANO

TUSCANY

POLIZIANO

TUSCANY



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ABOUT THE WINERY

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. Federico 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 2021 the estate was certified organic. In 2019 and 2021 respectively, Francesco and Maria Stella, Federico’s children, joined him at the winery as essential advisors ready to interpret and face both current and future challenges.

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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WINERY LOCATION: Montepulciano, Tuscany
REGION: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, Cortona DOC, IGT Toscana
VINEYARD LAND: 420 acres (170 ha)
FARMING PRACTICES: Certified Organic since 2021
GRAPE VARIETIES: Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, and Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile); small amounts of Canaiolo Nero and Colorino
WINE STYLES: Dry red
TOTAL WINE PRODUCTION: 1,000,000 bottles (750,000 liters)
YEAR FOUNDED: 1961
OWNER(S): Federico Carletti / Francesco & Maria Stella Carletti
WINEMAKER(S): Maria Stella Carletti

WINES

POLIZIANO ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO DOC TOSCANA

Rosso di Montepulciano Toscana is a simpler version of Vino Nobile, intended for earlier consumption, lighter foods, and everyday drinking. Poliziano has dedicated some of its vineyards specifically for the Rosso, working to produce grapes that are best suited for producing a young, fruity wine, full bodied but not overly tannic. It is made from 80% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) grapes, supported by Merlot. The Rosso is the foundation wine of the Poliziano lineup.

POLIZIANO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG TOSCANA

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Toscana is the principal wine of Poliziano. Revered by nobility through the centuries, Vino Nobile was often hailed as "the wine of kings." Today, Vino Noble is still considered to be special, thanks to the Prugnolo Gentile clone of Sangiovese that is grown in the Montepulciano area. Poliziano uses 85% Prugnolo Gentile in their blend, along with two traditional Tuscan varieties, Colorino and Canaiolo, and a bit of Merlot. The complementary varieties add color, depth, and complexity to the elegance of the Sangiovese.

POLIZIANO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO ASINONE DOCG TOSCANA

The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from the Asinone vineyard is the flagship wine of Poliziano. After years of continual experimentation, this particular vineyard was identified as the one with the best quality potential. Asinone is well ventilated and has poor soil that gives the Sangiovese just the right vigor. Though Vino Nobile requires only 70% Sangiovese in the blend, this wine uses 95% to showcase the excellence of the Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) from this vineyard.

POLIZIANO "LE CAGGIOLE" VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG

n 1986 Poliziano purchased the Caggiole vineyard which is comprised of 14 hectares and divided into three parcels.  The ability of the vineyard to produce a very high-quality wine was apparent from the onset and in 1988 the first vintage of Nobile Caggiole was produced.  In 1995 the winery stopped production of Caggiole to focus on Vino Nobile di Montepulciano "Asinone". After many years of devoting their time and attention to the Caggiole vineyard by experimenting with new clones, increasing plant density with non-vigorous rootstock perfect for the soil, and moving in an organic direction and eliminating pesticides and chemical fertilizers from the soil, the winery decided to reintroduce Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Il Caggiole with the 2015 vintage, a 100% Sangiovese of great elegance.  

POLIZIANO “IN VIOLAS” MERLOT CORTONA DOC

Looking for new areas to expand wine production in different directions, Poliziano became interested in Cortona, in the Val di Chiana about 15 miles (25 km) northeast of Montepulciano. The Cortona DOC, established in 1999, promotes various nontraditional grape varieties, and in 2006, Poliziano began a new enological project there. Seeing great potential for Merlot cultivated in the Pliocene clays of Cortona, the winery began producing In Violas, a 100% Merlot wine. “In Violas” is the name of an elegaic poem by Angelo Poliziano, a renowned Montepulciano-born Renaissance writer and scholar.

POLIZIANO “LE STANZE DEL POLIZIANO” TOSCANA IGT

Le Stanze del Poliziano is a very modern red wine, made from mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a small addition of Merlot. It is the winery’s sole Super Tuscan, a high-quality wine made outside the rules of its denomination. Though grown in Montepulciano, Le Stanze steps away from the Vino Nobile and Chianti format with a wine intended for international tastes using classic Bordeaux grape varieties. The name Le Stanze del Poliziano refers to the poetry (stanzas) of Angelo Poliziano, a renowned Montepulciano-born Renaissance writer and scholar.

LOCATION


WINERY:
Montepulciano, Tuscany

VINEYARD:
Montepulciano, Tuscany; Cortona, Tuscany

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NEWS AND REVIEWS FROM OUR FRIENDS IN THE INDUSTRY



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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.

92
FEBRUARY 2023
Poliziano "Le Caggiole" Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2018

The 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Le Caggiole lifts up with a display like human catnip. A pleasant air of vanilla custard accentuates sweet smoke, grilled sage, cocoa and rum-soaked cherries. It’s silky and polished in feel yet finessed with an almost weightless aura, showing decidedly ripe plum and hints of candied citrus to balance. The 2018 finishes long and gently tannic, with inner tobacco and sweet herbal tones lingering incredibly long. While the nose is a bit candied in personality, the 2018 possesses fantastic harmony within. I'm very interested to see what a few years of cellaring might do.

92
DECEMBER 2020
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone DOCG Toscana 2017

The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone is the newest edition of one of the classic and historic wines of the appellation. This hot-vintage expression shows soft, velvety and dark fruit with plenty of cherry and blackberry. Asinone was conceived as a modern and contemporary expression of Vino Nobile, and it remains that today. Like many of its peers, I found the tannins to be less integrated in 2017, and I would recommend a hearty meat pairing to counter some of that astringency.

94
AUGUST 2024
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone DOCG Toscana 2021

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. Drink from 2025.

91
DECEMBER 2020
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Toscana 2017

The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano offers ripe cherry and blackberry fruit with a long and fleshed out mouthfeel. Poliziano is a detailed-minded estate that is one of the founding fathers of modern Vino Nobile. This forward-looking producer has produced a versatile wine from a hot vintage to pair with pasta or easy meat dishes.

93
JUNE 2021
Poliziano "Le Caggiole" Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2016

Saturated with black cherry, black currant, wild herb, tar and iron flavors, this red is also vibrant and solidly built. 
So dense and youthful, it resonates on the long finish, showing excellent potential. Best from 2024 through 2042.

94
AUGUST 2023
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone DOCG Toscana 2020

A burly, linear red, with ample blackberry, black cherry and black currant fruit to offset the dense tannins. Vibrant, energetic and balanced, with a long, saturated aftertaste echoing the dark fruit and adding a hint of tobacco. Sangiovese, Colorino and Canaiolo. Best from 2025 through 2043.

91
APRIL 2021
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Toscana 2018

All charm, the 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Dark cherry fruit, licorice, menthol, pine, tobacco and cedar add pretty aromatic nuances. This easygoing, mid-weight Vino Nobile has plenty to offer.