2012 Carpineto Vino Nobile 750 ml

Brunello-like Vino Nobile Riserva

For hundreds of years, Vino Nobile has been one of the most sought-after wines in Europe. From aristocrats and popes, to expert connoisseurs, even though neighboring Montalcino gets all the glory for Brunello, those in the know continue to stock their cellars with great Vino Nobile. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate notes that “Montepulciano offers great value with even the top tier Vino Nobile wines priced at half the cost of Brunello di Montalcino.” So, if you’re a lover of top-tier Brunello or Chianti Classico Riserva, this 2012 Carpineto Vino Nobile Riserva offers the effortless class and regal structure of Tuscany’s best Sangiovese-based wines at just $27.99. And with 93-points from Wine Spectator for its “fine depth and complexity” this is as vibrant, and full-bodied a Tuscan red as they come — at this price.

In 1549, Pope Paul III, nearly on his deathbed, took the time to proclaim Vino Nobile di Montepulciano as "vino perfectissimo.” Historic records show it had incredible popularity with Italy’s aristocracy up through 20th century.  

The Carpineto estate brings a modern touch to this historic region. Founded in 1967 by Giovanni Carlo Sacchet and Antonio Mario Zaccheo, Carpineto set out to revolutionize quality, and bring modern vineyard techniques to this heralded region. The estate has focused aggressively on sustainability, with biodiversity and renewable energy initiatives. That same fastidiousness extends to their winemaking where minimal intervention is practiced from berry to bottle.

The result is a Vino Nobile that brims with Sangiovese’s aristocracy, aged for two years in large Slavonian oak barrels, mixed with just a pinch of new French oak. The wine has reseted in their cool cellars in bottle for the last four years, well beyond the required minimum. The Carpineto Vino Nobile Riserva is a spectacular example of Tuscany’s ability to make wines that are stellar in their youth, and will only evolve and develop over years of cellaring.

If you’re a lover of Italian wines, we definitely suggest that you go deep on this as a great way to build your cellar, without breaking the bank.

Matt Deller MW

Master of Wine

Chief Wine Officer