Montepulciano is a medieval town located between Val d’Orcia and Valdichiana Senese, in south-eastern Tuscany, defined by rolling hills, this is the land of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG.
The area of Montepulciano in the third and fourth centuries BC was under Etruscan influence, and there is evidence that the people of ancient Italy already appreciated the value of the region for the production of wines, especially reds.
The history of the DEI winery begins in 1964, with the purchase of the Bossona vineyard, the ideal place for the production of great wines.
The company is a family business, and has always dedicated great passion to the production of wine, respecting the traditions, but also looking for innovation. DEI’s first bottle of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano dates back to the 1985 vintage. For over twenty years the company has been personally run by Caterina Dei, one of the actors of Montepulciano’s agricultural and winemaking tradition.
The history of the DEI family is linked to the excavation and processing of marble, which lead to the set up of a marble structure to store the wine, a cellar that integrates itself in harmony within the hilly landscape of Montepulciano; a modern building that clearly refers to the classic style.
The vineyard, where the grapes are cultivated, for the wine covered in this article (Cru Riserva Bossona) is Vigna Bossona. It was purchased by the DEI family in 1964, and is located 400 metres above sea level, in one of the sunniest areas of Montepulciano. The soil is mainly clay, with some fine sand (tuff), and fossils of Pliocene origin (2.5-5 million years ago). These characteristics, in addition to ensuring ideal drainage for the plants, allows the production of wines with body and minerality.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva Bossona is one of the highest expressions of the appellation, as well as being the company’s excellence in wine. The wine has been named Riserva since 1999 and is produced only in the best years, with very low yields (about 4,000 kg/ hectare) and spends a long time aging in the barrel and the bottle.
After careful selection, the grapes are gentlly pressed, with fermentation occuring in controlled temperature stainless steel tanks (26-28°C), with maceration on the skins for 28-30 days, subject to frequent pumping overs. The wine then ages for 36 months, at least 20 of which are in tonneaux, then the wine matures in the bottle.
Nobile di Montepulciano D.O.C.G. – Bossona – Riserva – 2016
Sangiovese 100%
- Look: medium ruby.
- Smell: pronounced aroma intensity of red cherry, blackberry and violet. On the finish, tobacco, white pepper and liquorice.
- Taste: dry, medium (+) acidity, ripe medium (+) tannin, high alcohol, medium (+) body, pronounced flavour intensity, with a long finish.
- Pairing: risotto with quail.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano D.O.C.G. – Bossona – Riserva – 2012
Sangiovese 100%
- Look: medium ruby.
- Smell: pronounced aroma intensity of red fruit (red cherry and raspberry), black fruit (prune and blackcurrant) and floral (rose and violet). On the finish, black pepper, toast, eucalyptus and mint.
- Taste: dry, medium (+) acidity, smooth medium (+) tannin, high alcohol, medium (+) body, pronounced flavour intensity. A balanced wine with a long finish.
- Pairing: tagliatelle with pheasant ragu.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano D.O.C.G. – Bossona – Riserva – 2004
Sangiovese 100%
- Look: medium garnet.
- Smell: pronounced aroma intensity of black fruit (black cherry, prune and blackcurrant). On the finish, tobacco, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, toast, eucalyptus and mint.
- Taste: dry, medium (+) acidity, smooth medium (+) tannin, high alcohol, medium (+) body, pronounced flavour intensity. A complex wine with a long finish.
- Pairing: veal stew with mushrooms.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano D.O.C.G. – Riserva – 1996
Sangiovese 100%
- Look: medium garnet.
- Smell: pronounced aroma intensity of black fruit (blackberry, blueberry, prune and blackcurrant), ripe fruit, cooked fruit alongside dried flowers and spices (cinnamon and cloves). On the finish, tertiary aromas of forest floor, leather, tobacco and chocolate.
- Taste: dry, medium (+) acidity, smooth medium (+) tannin, high alcohol, medium (+) body, pronounced flavour intensity. A complex wine with a long finish.
- Pairing: grilled duck breast with baked leeks.
Producer: Cantine Dei