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POLIZIANO

TUSCANY

POLIZIANO

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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
WINEMAKER(S): Federico 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
MAY 2022
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Toscana 2018

Aromas of cedar, toasted oak, violet and camphor come to the forefront on this savory red. On the concentrated but elegant palate, velvety tannins envelop ripe Morello cherry, fruitcake and licorice. Fresh acidity keeps it bright. Drink through 2026.

90
FEBRUARY 2023
Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano DOC Toscana 2021

Wickedly fresh and floral, the 2021 Rosso di Montepulciano wafts up from the glass with a bouquet of wild strawberries, stems and all, plus touches of mint and blood orange. This steps softly yet with impact, impressing with fleshy red and blue fruits expertly offset by a salty core of minerality. Raspberry and blueberry preserves and rosy inner florals make the lightly tannic and medium-length finish a total pleasure. This is a beautiful blending of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot.

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

93
DECEMBER 2020
Poliziano "Le Caggiole" Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2016

The Poliziano 2016 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Le Caggiole opens to a dark and sultry appearance, showing a rich and elegant side of the Sangiovese grape. There is a snappy or tart element to the fruit with sour cherry and black plum; however, the wine does not lack for ripeness. There is depth and rich concentration here, giving this wine a step up when it comes to a possible steak or meat roast dinner. The tannins (both the fruit and the oak tannins) are astringent, so give the wine a few more months of bottle aging.

91
AUGUST 2023
Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano DOC Toscana 2022

Youthful, brambly nose with lots of cherries, strawberries, dried herbs and potpourri. Crunchy and laid-back on the palate with a pristine, firm finish. Fresh and more reductively made than most looking to emulate the “Bojo” style. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.

SEPTEMBER 2021
Poliziano "Le Caggiole" Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2018
93
JUNE 2022
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Toscana 2018

A sumptuous wine with dark ruby color and spicy black cherry strawberry aromas with a hint of vanilla, savory black cherry, strawberry fruit with a bit of dark chocolate, crisp mouthwatering acidity, and chalky tannins.  Prugnolo Gentile is Sangiovese’s name in Montepulciano.  It is 85% of the blend with Colorino, Canaiolo, and Merlot providing 15%.  It is aged for 18 to 20 months in various sizes of French oak containers, then 6 to 8 months in bottle.  Poliziano, which was created in 1961 by Dino Carletti, produces more than 83,000 cases from about 400 organically farmed acres.  

93
DECEMBER 2021
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone DOCG Toscana 1995

The depth of color alone of the 1995 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vigna Asinone is something to behold, opening to a display of dusty dried cherries, roses and flowery undergrowth. The textures are silky-smooth and completely resolved between wood, tannins, acid and fruit, remaining juicy and vibrant yet also salty. Other than its mature harmony, little else can give away the 1995’s age, tapering off to hints of black tea and sour citrus that keeps the mouth watering throughout. What a beautiful testament to the ageability of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.