Boscarelli: Another day, Another Cru

Boscarelli introduces Costa Grande a stunning single-vineyard, single-variety Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Luca De Ferrari Corradi, one-third of the three-person team behind Boscarelli’s award-winning wines alongside mother Paola and brother Nicolò, sat down with us to give us the rundown on this fabulous new noble wine.

Hi Luca, thanks for taking the time out to talk to us. We are so excited about Costa Grande. Can’t wait to hear all about it! So how long have you had this vineyard?

We’ve had this vineyard – called Vigna Grande – since 1988 and it has always been dedicated to our best wines, bordering the historic vineyard, Il Nocio, which occupies two-thirds of the same hill, dedicated to the wine of the same name. The grapes from Vigna Grande used to go to our white-label Riserva and sometimes even our other wines.

What changed?

As part of Montepulciano’s Alliance Vinum, our main goal is to valorize and promote Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in the world through expertly made wines, reflecting the vineyards and terroir – as well as history and tradition – of the area. To do this, each of the six members has created a special edition single-variety wine made with 100% Sangiovese – or rather, Prugnolo Gentile clones strictly from the Montepulciano growing area. We decided to dedicate that incredibly special cru to this wine for the Alliance. But the clones are the same as those of Il Nocio!

Can you remind us what Alliance Vinum is?

Sure! It is an unofficial offshoot of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Consorzio (which has almost 100 members) and its primary goal is to promote Tuscany’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano globally, ultimately certain that the excellent quality, good winemaking, unique terroir, singular characteristics of Prugnolo Gentile, and long history will give the wine zone better and more visibility in the global market.

Each of the six participating wineries has put their best foot forward, creating a special cru wine made with pure Sangiovese clones from the Nobile growing area to be promoted through the Alliance’s Nobile Sangiovese Toscana Collection. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano indeed has noble beginnings, it was a favorite of kings, queens and popes and was a symbol of quality Italian wine for centuries and that’s really what we want to focus on. We also don’t want it to get confused with the Abruzzese wine made from a different grape and boasting its own rich history.

Can you tell us a few technical details about the Costa Grande’s vineyard?

The soils are an even mix of sand and red clay and it sees northeastern exposure. It’s a great location because even with that exposure, it gets a warming breeze from Lake Trasimeno, which it faces. The weather is almost always good, giving the grapes the chance to ripen first, yet well and healthfully.

What makes the wine special?

Costa Grande is like a virtual snapshot of the Montepulciano growing area, particularly Cervognano, reflecting the particular vineyard and all its characteristics. It is pleasant, but not necessarily simple, because it is a wine with great character, elegance, and balance. The fruit is pure, clean, and not masked by wood. All of the aromas of its birthplace shine in this wine, such as black cherry and red raspberry, which pair with a saline quality.

A Round-up of Boscarelli’s Noble Nobile Di Montepulciano Wines

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

Made from 85% Sangiovese and 15% Canaiolo, Mammolo, and Colorino from different parcels on the Boscarelli estate. The vineyards are located at 984 feet above sea level and see northeastern/western exposure and medium-density soils, which contribute great freshness. It ages 18-24 months in Allier and Slavonian oak barrels and six months in bottle before release. This Nobile offers great balance, even in its youth and fantastic aging potential at the same time. A very tradition wine, faithful to traditional Vino Nobile di Montepulciano history, techniques and styles. But it also highlights Sangiovese’s flexibility. It is the perfect marriage between freshness and tannic structure.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG

Made from 88% Sangiovese and 12% Colorino from different parcels on the Boscarelli estate. The vineyards (min. 25-year-old vines) are located at 984 feet above sea level and see northeastern/northwestern exposure and medium-density soils, especially red and calcareous, which lend great ageability and elegance. It ages in Allier and Slavonian oak barrels (350-liter to 4-hl.) for 28-32 months and six months in bottle before release. A classic interpretation. Traditionally, complementary grapes are used to achieve balance, and complexity as well as fragrance and freshness. In this case, color as well.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Costa Grande DOCG

Made from 100% Sangiovese from a single vineyard, Vigna Grande, near Montepulciano. The vineyards are located at 1,050 feet above sea level and see northeastern exposure and calcareous clay soils with abundant clay and a low percentage of sandy red soils, which lend good structure, body, and elegant tannins to the wine. It ages twelve months in tonneau (5 hl), twelve months in oak casks (25 hl), six months in concrete tanks, and twelve months in bottle. Good minerality, thanks to the fossil shells in the soil. Clean, pure fruit, intriguing complexity, the perfect reflection of the vineyard and its terroir. 1-1.5 hectares.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva Sotto Casa DOCG

Made from 80% Sangiovese Prugnolo Gentile, 12% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards are located at 1,050 feet above sea level and see northeastern and northwestern exposure and medium-density clay, red and rocky soils that give the wine great structure and velvety tannins. It ages in Allier and Slavonian oak barrels (350-liter to 4-hl.) for 28-32 months and 6 months in bottle. A modern interpretation of this classic wine; blended with international grapes to give the aromas of small red berries and an elegant but powerful palate. 1 hectare.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Il Nocio DOCG

Made from 100% Sangiovese from a single vineyard, Il Nocio, named for a walnut tree overlooking the grapes, in Cervognano. The vineyards are located at 1,084 feet above sea level and see northwestern and southeastern exposure and medium-density calcareous sandy soils, which lend elegance and silky tannins to the wine. It ages in Allier and Slavonian oak casks (5 and 10 hl.) for 18-24 months, followed by three to six months in bottle. An exceptional and singular wine, using three Sangiovese clones grown in three different soils for an elegant wine with great balance, crisp acidity, and rich palate. 3 hectares.

by Amber Cassese | Empson USA