Toast to the holidays with Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Whether you’re planning a feast for the whole family or opting for a more low-key celebration, choosing the right bottle to pair with the big meal is an important part of creating the perfect holidays experience! How about a classic, delicious, yet still affordable – Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has a glorious history to recount. Starting from the fact that it was the first 100% Sangiovese in the Montepulciano area. Viticulture here dates back many centuries to Etruscan times. During the 15th Century, the local wine was a favorite among the local Sienese aristocracy. In the 16th Century, it was revered by Pope Paul III, who spoke of the wine’s excellent qualities. It then had a hard time and almost disappeared into oblivion. Luckily, with the new regulations and dedicated producers, it regained its stature as a fine and noble wine. Today, the aging period for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a minimum of 24 months, of which at least 12 months must be spent in oak barrels, making it just as noteworthy as its celebrated Tuscan neighbors.

This bottle of Carpineto Vigneto Poggio Sant’Enrico 2012 is made with 100% Sangiovese. Dark ruby. On the nose, it has aromas suggesting blueberry, plum, raspberry. On the palate, it offers more licorice, prune, dried cherry, black pepper, slightly herbal notes with a hint of vanilla. It is bold and intense, quite powerful, yet incredibly balanced, concentrated with refined tannins. With almost 10 years in the bottle, it has already developed some delicious tertiary notes and delivers layers of flavors, but I am certain with the great structure and concentration it will continue improving – this is a bottle designed to reward extensive cellaring.

Now, back to my favorite part – food pairing! Apart from the presents, lights, and a beautifully decorated tree, what people look forward to the most come Christmas is the food. Not everyone eats the same dishes on Christmas, but the theme of winter seasonal vegetables and roasted foods are common. Bring on the baked Brie bites, roast meats, maple glazed ham, beef brisket, Lasagna, or roasted potatoes and Brussel sprouts – this wine will do an amazing job pairing with all these!