Italiano
A double vertical Carpineto tasting
The two faces of Nobile di Montepulciano Carpineto: Riserva and the cru Vigneto Poggio Sant’Enrico, seen through four vintages: 2015, 2010, 2004 and 1998.
During the long Coronavirus lockdown, when time dragged on in sad and endless expectation with the near future appearing so far away, my thoughts went back to a visit to the Carpineto estate that seems as if it took place in another life. Back when we could next to each other during a tasting, when we could exchange views face-to-face, when sitting together for a meal at a long table seemed normal and there was no danger in sight.
Carpineto is an established Tuscan wine producer created in 1967 thanks to the encounter between two families, Sacchet and Zaccheo, who still today, united as ever, continue to export Tuscan wine and have become ambassadors of Chianti Classico to 60 countries.
They have five estates situated in key locations in Tuscany: two in Chianti Classico, one in Montepulciano, one in Montalcino and one in Maremma.
The visit in question took place on a sunny, mild and lovely day and the owners welcomed us amid the wonderful hills of their estate in Montepulciano: 184 hectares of vineyards, olive groves and wheat fields with a spectacular winery set within the vineyards. The occasion was a double vertical tasting of Nobile di Montepulciano focused on their Riserva and the cru Vigneto Poggio Sant’Enrico.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2015
92/100 - € 25
A blend of 70% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo Nero that matured for three years in large barrels. A dark ruby color leaning towards garnet and an aroma of red fruit, black cherry, sweet spice and vanilla with notes of pepper and toasting. The warm and full mouthfeel has distinct tannins but they are well-integrated and a great freshness vitalizes the drop.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2010
93/100 - € 48
A blend of 70% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo Nero that matured for three years in large barrels. A dark ruby color leaning towards garnet. The aroma is of underbrush, bark and humus, with light smoky and balsamic hints. The fresh mouthfeel has polished tannins and an elegant salinity with notes of spice and cinchona and a long and smoky finish.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2004
87/100 - € 48
A blend of 70% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo Nero that matured for three years in large barrels and has a dark, garnet color. The bouquet opens with balsamic notes and those of slightly bitter spice, herbs and rhubarb. The tannins are again pronounced, accompanied by ethereal notes and those of almost baked fruit and medical herbs. The finish is balsamic and grassy.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 1998
91/100 - € 60
Made from Sangiovese grapes and matured in barriques for a year. A ruby color and warm and wrapping aroma with scents of red fruit and spice, black cherry, varnish and violet. The mouthfeel is still young but promising with rich and elegant tannins set within sensations of humus and black cherry.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vigneto di Poggio Sant'Enrico 2015
(A preview at the time since it needed to still age two years in the bottle)
(93/100) - € 55
Made from Sangiovese grapes and matured in barriques for a year. A ruby color and warm and wrapping aroma with scents of red fruit and spice, black cherry, varnish and violet. The mouthfeel is still young but promising with rich and elegant tannins set within sensations of humus and black cherry.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vigneto di Poggio Sant'Enrico 2010
94/100 - € 55
Made from Sangiovese grapes and matured in barriques for a year. A ruby color leaning towards garnet and an elegant and balsamic nose with scents of red flowers, bark, tobacco and spice. The rich and full mouthfeel is bold and elegantly tannic with a long persistence.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vigneto di Poggio Sant'Enrico 2004
89/100 - € 60
Made from Sangiovese grapes and matured in barriques for a year. A garnet color and an aroma that opens with scents of very ripe fruit and ethereal and evolved hints followed by a pleasing balsamic note. The mouthfeel is bold with toasted and roasted sensations and notes of coffee and dark tobacco.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vigneto di Poggio Sant'Enrico 1998
90/100 - € 60
Made from Sangiovese grapes and matured in barriques for a year. A garnet color and while the nose is betrayed by a note of age, it is also pleasing with those of moka coffee, ripe fruit, dried fruit and a floral potpourri. The wine’s age is less evident in the mouth which is fresh and slightly smoky in the finish.
