Winery: Boscarelli

Country / Region: Italy, Tuscany, Nobile di Montepulciano

Date Winery was established: 1962

Grape Variety: 90% Sangiovese / 10% Colorino

Alcohol Content / Volume: 14.0% / 750ml

First Vintage Released: 2010

Ratings: 93 pts. Wine Enthusiast

Good to know: The reserva was not produced for nearly 20 years (1992) until again they started producing it the vintage 2010. The reason for the break was re-selection and replanting in their historic vineyards, focusing on clone selection, different expressions of Sangiovese vines in relation to the soil and the possibility of combining the characteristics of Sangiovese grapes with other international varieties. In 2010, Boscarelli found increased complexity and structure in the grapes from the first replanting of native vines, which convinced them to repeat with the same blend of local grapes, the Reserve of the Vino Nobile of the 1970s and ‘80s.

This reserva is produced with selected grapes from vineyards at least 20 years of age that give great complexity and aging potential. Nobile Reserve is aged in Allier or Slavonian oak casks of capacity ranging from 5 to 25 hectoliters, where malolactic fermentation occurs. Maturation takes from 28 to 32 months. Before delivery the wine is aged in bottles for several months.

The aging potential of the Riserva is a few decades, so the optimum maturation period varies depending on the vintage, but Boscarelli recommends from 5 to 10 years after harvest.

The story of this state began in 1962 with founder Egidio Corradi’s dream of producing a noble wine that exalts the aromas and flavors of his native land while imparting the elegance he loved. Born into an old Poliziana family in the Montepulciano region of the Siena countryside, he later graduated with a degree in economics and business. He spent most of his life working as an international broker in Genoa and Milan.

But his infinite passion for wine and deep knowledge of his home region induced him to buy two semi-abandoned small farms in Cervognano of Montepulciano, a stunning corner of old Etruscan Tuscany. The ancient soils had long been cultivated in the traditional way with different annual crops and small vineyards.

Egidio’s dream and vision were embraced and invigorated by his daughter Paola and her husband Ippolito De Ferrari. Driven by their strong determination and dedication, they started Poderi Boscarelli in the ’60s. The development that followed brought renewed life to the age-old farming estate as Paola and Ippolito planted their first specialized vineyards at a density of 3,500 plants per hectare. They also built the first winery by renovating and adapting old stables.

The original spirit of the estate has now passed to the third generation of the family. Each day Luca and Nicolò De Ferrari, sons of Paola and Ippolito, bring that same passion to wine production as they work to infuse each bottle with the aromas and flavors that Grandpa Egidio loved and searched for. Luca and Nicolò reselect and replant vineyards that continue to express the scents and range of characteristics of the incredible land that nurtures them.