Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2021
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 95] [DM 95] [WS 95] [WE 95]

Notes from the Winemaker:

Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin

This Riserva was reintroduced starting with the 2010 vintage, nearly 20 years after its last release in 1992. We took that break because over the past 26 years, we have been progressively reselecting and replanting our historic vineyards. We had focused on clonal selections, the diverse expressiveness of Sangiovese in relation to soil and climate variations, and the possibility of combining Sangiovese's characteristics with other international varietals. In 2010, however, we noted increased complexity and structure in the grapes from the first replanting of native vines, which convinced us to reintroduce the Vino Nobile Riserva from native grapes, just as we did in the 1970s and 1980s.

Soil Characteristics:
This is the historic core of the Poderi Boscarelli vineyards in Cervognano. They are planted on calcareous, alluvial, sandy soils with a good percentage of silt, clay, and minerals, as well as rich in stony texture that varies depending on the location. The average planting density is currently 6,500 vines per hectare.

Grape Type and Selection:
The wine is produced with grapes selected from vineyards at least 20 years old, which lends greater complexity and excellent aging potential. The grape varieties that contribute to the composition of Vino Nobile Riserva are primarily Sangiovese and Prugnolo Gentile, with a small percentage of Colorino.

Vinification:
The grapes are harvested by hand and transported in crates. After destemming and gentle pressing, they are fermented in oak vats filled to no more than two-thirds of their capacity. Native yeasts are used during the fermentation process, which lasts approximately 10 days at controlled temperatures between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. Manual pumping over and punching down of the cap are performed. Maceration, if necessary, continues for another 5-8 days after fermentation.

Aging:
The Riserva ages in Slavonian or French oak barrels with a capacity ranging from 5 to 25 hl. Malolactic fermentation lends elegance and finesse to this wine. Maturation lasts 28 to 32 months. Before being released for sale, the wine ages in the bottle for several months.

Optimal Maturity
The aging potential of our Riserva is several decades, while the optimal maturation period we recommend varies, depending on the vintage, from the fifth to the tenth year after the harvest.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - James Suckling:
"This restrained and mineral wine has subtle red cherries and elegant violet candies with deep licorice. Crisp and almost sour on the attack yet balanced by supple fruit and velvety, well-crafted tannins. A chewy and tense finish with cherry pits. Drinkable now but best from the end of 2025." (Oct 2024)

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"A masterful, multifaceted olfactory gem, offering blackberry, citrus and walnut husk. The sip is adorned with fine tannins and compact substance with a deep, long-lasting and graceful sorbability. Acquired in 1962, the winery, located in Cervognano, has around 22 hectares under vine and is skilfully run by the De Ferrari family." - Alessandra Piubello (Feb 2025)

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"This red is firm and savory, featuring black cherry, blackberry, tar, eucalyptus and iron aromas and flavors. There’s a fluid nature but also dense, mouthcoating tannins that promise longevity. The complex finish is long and fresh. Sangiovese and Colorino. Best from 2027 through 2045. 1,600 cases made, 150 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Oct 2025)

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The nose is balanced between wild cherries, raspberries and violets on one hand, and potting soil, licorice and fresh cracked black pepper on the other. The palate brings more of everything, as the cherries, berries, flowers and earth all drift along a stream of chocolate ganache. Acid bubbles around solid, dense tannins." - Danielle Callegari (Sep 2025)