2016 Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 750 ml

If you’re a lover of Brunello and Chianti Classico (or any expressive, bold red wine for that matter), this Sangiovese packs the regal structure of Tuscany’s $50+ icons.

Yes, it’s a bargain hunter’s dream and an ideal accompaniment for everything from grilled Wagyu burgers to wild mushroom ravioli. We love the 2016 for its intoxicating bouquet of dried red roses, fennel seed, and sage, which mingle on the palate with the harmony of a red twice the price.

Even the most stringent critics have aligned and put Salcheto’s Vino Nobile on a pedestal in recent years. “Readers who haven’t yet discovered Salcheto are missing out on some of the most delicious wines being made in Tuscany today,” raved Vinous’ Antonio Galloni. Wine Enthusiast rewarded the 2016's incredible value with an Editors’ Choice selection and Wine Spectator featured it as a Smart Buy.

Consistently one of the best values in all of Europe, Salcheto's Vino Nobile di Montepulciano marries plush modernism and classic Sangiovese vibrancy with a stunning price tag. 

The last time we offered Salcheto’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, our members cleaned us out. “I love Italian reds and this is a great wine at any price,” one wrote. Another felt the same way but made the mistake of not ordering enough. “Wish I could get more,” she lamented in her 5-star review. 

Vino Nobile has been one of the most sought-after wines in Europe for centuries. In 1549, Pope Paul III proclaimed Vino Nobile di Montepulciano "vino perfectissimo.” It was a favorite of Italy’s aristocracy—who could drink the best of the best whenever they wanted—up through the 20th century.

Salcheto’s Michele Manelli is one of the region’s dynamic leaders driving the renaissance of Vino Nobile, and in 2016, his winery fulfilled its tremendous promise with a red that brings together classic Sangiovese flavors of sour cherry, ripe strawberry, and spice, supported by firm tannins and a soft, elongated finish.

Manelli has been mastering this style since he took over at the sleepy farm tucked into the rolling hills outside the town of Montepulciano in 1997. Back then, with the passion and new ideas of youth, Manelli instituted an overhaul of the winery, gutting the cellar and rebuilding it in 2011, using the most innovative and sustainable technology available. 

Italy took notice: Salcheto won the “Sustainable Viticulture” award from Gambero Rosso in 2014, and they haven’t stopped improving since.

Salcheto’s main vineyard sits at nearly 1,500 feet in elevation, one of the highest in the area, caressed by the sun’s warm rays during the day and cooled by perfectly brisk breezes at night. The soil—primarily tufa clay, formed from volcanic ash—affords the Prugnolo Gentile grapes (the local clone of Sangiovese) perfect growing conditions. 

Manelli elected to pursue organic and biodynamic growing practices, making for vineyards that bristle with life that can be felt in every sip of this kaleidoscopic red.