"Luca De Ferrari and the team at Boscarelli make some of the most beautiful wines in the appellation." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Of course, Montalcino is ground zero in Italy for Sangiovese, but savvy Italian insiders know that some of the varietal's best bangs for the buck can be found in Montepulciano. Situated southwest of Chianti, Montepulciano's slightly warmer climate means there's no shortage of ripeness in its wines, but the sandy, well-draining soils also imbue them with striking minerality that's more intense than in the wines of Chianti or even Montalcino. This trio from Boscarelli highlights one of the region's most accomplished estates firing on all cylinders.
The 94-point 2021 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano "is a total pleasure to the senses" according to Vinous,offering the elevated terroir expression that one typically finds in the finest examples from further north. The estate's benchmark pedigree, however, is on full display in the two Riserva bottlings below. The 2020 Riserva is a "sleek yet solidly built red," demonstrating the age-worthy quality of a great Vino Nobile according toWine Spectator's 95-point review. Also notching 95 points from James Suckling, the 2019 Riserva Sotto Casa is a stellar expression of the estate's most prized plot planted to high density in alluvial, red clay soils. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, it's a captivating example of what makes Montepulciano such a dynamic region.
Intoxicating violets and roses with bright yet precise black cherries and raspberries are allied to toasty depth. Good attack on the palate with supple fruit and medium body. The ripe, velvety tannins are chalky in the finish, which is polished and refreshing, if not crisp. Drinkable now, but integration and complexity will improve with aging.
94 points, James Suckling (Oct 2024)
The 2021 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a total pleasure to the senses, with a perfumed bouquet of wilted violet and lavender tones, a dusting of spices and dried strawberry scents. This is cool-toned and fresh, with pretty wild berry fruits and crunchy mineral notes elevated by a tinge of sour citrus. Giving yet long and gently tannic, this finishes with a resonance of blackberry and hints of spice. The 2021 is delicate yet impactful.
92 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Feb 2025)
This red delivers purity, boasting aromas and flavors of cherry, pomegranate, earth and iron, while also staying lively, supported by a dense matrix of tannins. Balanced, with a finish of bitter almond, this needs a few years to integrate. Best from 2027 through 2042. 4,500 cases made.
92 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Oct 2024)
While owner Luca De Ferrari anticipated a loss of up to 50% after April’s frost, following bottling he reports that it is actually around 30%. The estate’s flagship Vino Nobile represents almost half of Boscarelli’s production (which is about 100,000 bottles in ‘regular’ years). Aromas are shy and discreet, taking time to reveal pretty scents of cherry blossom and plum. This midweight contender boasts ample freshness, its bright acidity and elegant sandy tannins supporting a core of ripe red cherry and blood orange. Gracefully composed, it exhibits lovely balance and is one of the vintage’s more immediately approachable offerings.
92 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter (Feb 2024)
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