Grapelive Wine of the Day
By Kerry Winslow
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2008 Le Berne Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscan Red, Italy.
Made with Prugnolo (same Sangiovese clone as Sangiovese Grosso, as is found in Brunello), plus local varieties Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo Vino Nobile is one of Italy’s great wines, and a great value when compared to it’s Tuscan rival Brunello di Montalcino. I have found Le Berne in the last few vintages to be a real glorious red that offers class, richness and length so it was great to try this 2008 and find that it is as good as the 2006 and 2007 vintages were. If you want a great Tuscan wine and be savvy, this beauty is your ticket, no question. The 2008 Le Berne Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is full and lively with blackberry, cherry and wild strawberry fruits with touches of smoke, mineral spice, cedar and sweet mountain herbs. The nose has floral tones and a touch of truffle that also translates to the palate with notes of violets and dried roses, earthy leather and blond tobacco. The subtle framing wood adds a touch of baking spices on the finish. If you crave Brunello or Chianti Classico you should find this fantastic wine and compare for yourself, this is a stunning wine that deserves more attention.
($29 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
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