Madison Originals Magazine Madison Originals Magazine February 2012 | Page 45
MadisonOriginalsMagazine.com | 45 Poliziano obtains its name from 15th
century poet Angelo Ambroghini
(known as Poliziano) taken from
Politianus, the Latin name for his
birthplace, Montepulciano. References
to this important Renaissance scholar
can be found on several of the wine
labels from this prestigious Tuscan
estate. Working closely with Italian wine
consultant Carlo Ferrini, owner Federico
Carletti has transformed Poliziano into
one of the most consistent and widely
respected Vino Nobile estates. This
award-winning red is sophisticated with
a bright nose of bing cherry, tobacco leaf,
and plum. The palate has richness with
raspberry, cherry, and smoke elements.
The ripeness of the fruit suggests it is
ready to drink now.
Not quite as sleek and polished as the
Poliziano, this vintage of Vino Nobile
from Dei is not to be underestimated.
It�s one of those wines you need to
think about, preferably over an intimate
dinner. Pensive and brooding in style
with a highly perfumed nose and a
superbly long nish. The mid-palate
shows an amazing clarity of dark berry
fruit avors that are beautiful now, but
will ultimately reward patient wine
drinkers with another ve to 10 years
of cellaring. Caterina Dei is the talented
woman in charge, currently overseeing
the construction of a new modern
winery complete with underground
cellars.
This small producer has only been
producing wine since the 1990s. This
example is dark with a savory streak, and
exhibits aromas of woodsy violet, vanilla,
and blackberry that carry through to the
palate. Earth, mushroom, and mineral
elements add complexity to this hearty
red, and give you a real impression of the
Montepulciano terrior. The nish shows a moderate amount of tannin, but nothing that a rich meat stew or a rare Bistecca alla Fiorentina (translation: the best steak you will ever eat) won�t tame.Two words: old world. This is my kinda Tuscan wine alright: stinky, earthy, and barnyardy (in a good way). Unltered and unrened, it is a great expression of the Sangiovese grape from talented winemaker Elisabetta Geppetti. With a decidedly funky and unmistakable Tuscan nose, this expressive red opens up to reveal smoky, dark berry notes along with leather, forest oor, and mulberry. Admittedly this wine is not everyone�s cup of tea, but for you true lovers of rustic, full-bodied Italian wines it is a beauty. Pair it with roast lamb or wild boar papparadelle. I would advise decanting this wine prior to serving since it throws quite a bit of sediment.Another straightforward, hearty gem hailing from the Tuscan Maremma wine region nearly 25 miles south of Pisa and its famous leaning tower. The property has been planted to vines and olive groves dating as far back as the 2007 Poliziano
Vino Nobile di
Montepulciano $34.99
2008 Cantine Maria
Caterina Dei Vino Nobile di
Montepulciano $27.99
2008 Corte Alle Flora
Dei Vino Nobile di
Montepulciano $20.992009 Tenuta di Ghizzano il Ghizzano IGT $16.492009 Fattoria Le Pupille Morellino di Scansano $19.99 late 1300s. The current owners have
recently replanted and expanded the
vineyard production, carefully hand
harvesting all the grapes. This organic
Tuscan red (super Tuscan) is a blend of
85% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot. The
wine has herbaceous notes coupled with
roasted game, spicy cherry, currant, and
tobacco. Warm and inviting, this is a
solid, medium-bodied red. Callie Steffen is a Wine Specialist at
Barriques Market. Harvest Restaurant
On the Capitol Square
21 North Pinckney St.
608-255-6075
www.harvest-restaurant.comTop 20 Chefs of the Midwest -James Beard Foundation Top Farm-to-Table Restaurants -Gourmet Magazine, 2008 Top 20 Restaurants in the U.S.A. -Organic Style Magazine Madison�s Must-Visit Restaurant -New York Times Magazine