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avignonesi vino nobile di montepulciano

2001 Avignonesi VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO $20

Picking a Wine of the Week is one of the most fun things to do here at The Wine Experience. So here’s this week’s choice. It’s from one of the most beautiful places in Italy, Montepulciano. The wine is Avignonesi 2001 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

This is a sangiovese based wine that’s reddish purple with a black cherry flavor and an aroma like an Italian garden with freshly turned earth and flowering violets.

Then there’s a silky smooth texture to go along with the medium-bodied feel in your mouth. And long slow finish of flavor.

It’s pure Italian in the way it embraces food, especially the local favorite, which is bucatini, a hand rolled tube-like pasta, tossed with olive oil fresh herbs, garlic and mushrooms. Try some and the word that will come to mind is, well, bellisimo!

Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a classic wine of Tuscany you can enjoy for about twenty dollars.

And it’s the wine of the week pick that will have you dreaming of Italy.

Pop the cork™.

Notes: Characteristics: Vino Nobile is garnet red in colour; its bouquet is delicate and intense, with a slight scent of violet; the taste is dry with a hint of tannic.

Serving suggestions: this important wine is ideal with roast and grilled meat, game and mature cheeses

In 1309 Pope Clement V transferred the papal residence from Rome to Avignon, France. In 1377, when pope Gregory XI moved the papal residence back to Rome, some noble families of Avignon left France to follow him. It was at that time, in Italy, that one of those families became known as Avignonesi - probably to simplify an otherwise difficult, foreign name. Soon the Avignonesi family separated into three branches which settled in Rome, Siena and Montepulciano.

It is not known exactly when Avignonesi's cellars were built, but they are doubtless among the most ancient in Italy. Palazzo Avignonesi was built according to a design by Jacopo Barozzi (called Vignola) in the second half of the XVI century and it has always been the cellars' seat.

Past Recommendations, Picks, and Wines of the Week

When you read our thoughts, please remember that you may think differently. A particular wine may be your favorite and not on our list. Well, don't stop buying it because of that. In fact, you may want to email us and let us know about it. These are our opinions but our FIRST recommendation is to go by your own palate.

A couple of other thoughts . . . first, prices are approximate. They'll vary. Second, different vintages mean different grapes and different tastes so our recommendation for a 2000 Merlot may not hold for 2001.

And lastly, we remind you to drink responsibly! Now, all that said, here is a summary of links to our suggestions. Find one (or more) and pop the cork!

Wine consumption can have positive physical benefits or cause possible physical harm . . . the medical community is divided in some areas. If you have any doubt, check with your doctor before consuming wine or any other alcoholic drink.

Our information is well researched. Recommendations are based on our opinions at the time of publication. At the same time, recommendations change. Also, there may be

significant variance in taste depending on storage, shipping, and other factors.

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The Wine Experience is intended for adults (over 21 years old). Drink responsibly and don't drink and drive!