Frescobaldi, Tenuta Calimaia 2020 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (90% Sangiovese, 10%Prugnolo Gentile)

Tenuta Calimaia, under the esteemed Frescobaldi family, is situated in the historic Vino Nobile di Montepulciano region of Tuscany. With deep-rooted viticultural traditions, the estate focuses on crafting wines that reflect the richness of the terroir and the purity of Sangiovese, known locally as Prugnolo Gentile. The 2020 vintage benefited from optimal weather conditions, ensuring a balanced wine with exceptional structure and complexity.

Appearance: This wine presents a deep, intense ruby-red hue with subtle garnet reflections beginning to emerge at the edges, hinting at its evolving maturity. The core remains rich and concentrated, showing excellent depth, while the wine’s clarity and brilliance suggest careful vinification. Swirling the glass reveals slow, well-defined legs, indicating a structured body with balanced alcohol and tannin integration.

Aroma: The nose is vibrant, opening with pronounced notes of red fruits such as cherry, sour cherry, and ripe plum. These fruity aromas are intertwined with intense hints of aromatic herbs and spices, including sage, cardamom, and pink pepper, lending a dynamic complexity. As the wine opens, subtle undertones of dark chocolate, dried rose petals, and liquorice emerge, enhancing its layered and elegant bouquet.

Taste: On the palate, the wine is generous and voluminous, yet maintains a refreshing quality that highlights its balance between fruit and structure. The dense, soft tannic framework provides a velvety mouthfeel, allowing the vibrant red fruit flavours to shine. Notes of dried herbs, anise, and earthy undertones add to its depth, while a firm but well-integrated acidity lends freshness and longevity. The refined use of oak imparts delicate touches of vanilla and spice, without overpowering the purity of the fruit.

Finish: The finish is long, structured, and persistent, with the wine’s intense aromatic profile lingering gracefully. The red berry and spice notes slowly fade into hints of cocoa, dried tobacco, and a slight mineral edge that speaks to the Montepulciano terroir. The tannins remain elegant yet firm, ensuring further potential for aging while maintaining a polished and balanced aftertaste. A final lift of floral and balsamic nuances keeps the palate refreshed and intrigued.

Food Pairing: This Vino Nobile di Montepulciano pairs exceptionally well with rich meat dishes such as braised beef or lamb stew, where the wine’s structure complements the hearty flavours. It also enhances the taste of aged cheeses like Pecorino Toscano, balancing their sharpness with its fruity and spicy notes. For a traditional pairing, try it with wild boar pappardelle, where the wine’s acidity and tannins cut through the richness of the dish, elevating the overall experience.

Overall, the Tenuta Calimaia 2020 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano exemplifies the estate’s dedication to producing wines of depth, elegance, and remarkable aromatic persistence. With its balance of ripe fruit, savoury complexity, and refined tannins, it is both enjoyable now and promising for further cellaring