AVIGNONESI - Grandi Annate Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 1990
Avignonesi is located in the Montepulciano region of southern Tuscany, Italy. It was created in 1974 and is named after the original founders of the estate, the Avignonesi family. Acquired by Virginie Saverys (born in Belgium) in 2009, ithas grown in size and at the same time has become a leader in biodynamic viticulture in Italy. To date, the estate has grown to 170 hectares of vineyards including the purchase of a state-of-the-art winemaking facility in the Montepulciano appellation. Avignonesi has nine vineyards: eight in Montepulciano and one in the small commune of Cortona, which is a little way to the northeast of Montepulciano. The rolling hills and diverse soil types in the various vineyards means that the winemaker Matteo Giustiniani has a wide range of grapes to choose from when making the wines. Avignonesi isrecognised for its innovative research, experimentation and quality of the wines, including the prestigious Vin Santo. The estate also makes an olive oil and a Grappa.
The Grandi Annate is only produced during the best vintages. It is made entirely from Sangiovese. The must of each vineyard was vinified separately and the fermentation was spontaneous, with the use of indigenous yeasts. Alcoholic fermentation and maceration on the skins lasted up to 30 days, depending on each vineyard lot. Ageing lasted 18 months in large oak casks and barriques.
Grape variety: 100% Sangiovese