A Tasting of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

A Tasting of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – Episode #544

September 23, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk tastes 4 examples of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, not to be confused with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo or Brunello di Montalcino

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Comments on this episode(154) Leave a comment ›

“Interesting…..Mid pallet comment.

I’d like to see a show; with a …” by salvatore
“Nice quick little show. Helps me catch up and give me some ideas on n…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Cerro Vino Nobile Di MontepulcianoVino Nobile di Montepulciano
2004 Dei Vino Nobile MontepulcianoVino Nobile di Montepulciano
2004 Torcalvano Vino Nobile Di MontepulcianoVino Nobile di Montepulciano
2005 Poliziano Vino Nobile Di MontepulcianoVino Nobile di Montepulciano

Links mentioned in todays episode.

Gary in Miami details

154 Responses

September 23, 2008

Withnail
Looks good!
September 23, 2008

passthecab
top 5!
September 23, 2008

purplejuicebruce
Love Italian reds
September 23, 2008

Adam
top 10!
September 23, 2008

M
I get confused with Montepulciano. But I think I know Montalcino (Brunello di and Rosso di).
September 23, 2008

manonthemoon
top 10?
September 23, 2008

LuvsChandon
Ah Tuscany! Very nice show!!!
September 23, 2008

Hinrgman
Love that Italian wine.
September 23, 2008

Hinrgman
Cnn’t do enough episodes about italian vino!!
September 23, 2008

jason
top 10
will be back….. coool, italy again
September 23, 2008

waibeans
coulda been a contenda
September 23, 2008

Bimi
10? Haha
September 23, 2008

Niklaus
Good but quick episode, I need to break from all the Spanish Red’s I’ve been drinking lately and mix in some Italians…I’ve had a couple of great Italian wines though….so I’m all about it!
September 23, 2008

Eliot in the Lou
Is this lucky or not? More in a bit…
September 23, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD … Don’t know G.V. for less than 20 bones there are several CA. wines and many Chilean and Australian wines I would rather buy but I’m a low budget guy and what do I know.
September 23, 2008

Johnnyutah
Top ten baby!

I have found these wines in the past to be a bit uninteresting…too much cherry and not enough old world love. Sounds like I need to do more exploring!
September 23, 2008

Jay
QOTD: My thoughts are that for my palate, sometimes those sour cherry flavors get a little heavy. When they’re kept in check, I love this style.
September 23, 2008

manonthemoon
Nice show, not really a fan of the food friendly vino.

QOTD: Seems like the only Italians I really like are $50 +, so I hardly go with them, just to many good low dollar wines elsewhere that really rock out.
September 23, 2008

DaveyDonut
You’re really babbling today! Every single time saying Montalcino…

Montepulciano = Mawn-teh-pool-CHA-noh… NOT Montalcino (mon tal CHEE no)

QOTD: These wines are yummy!

David
September 23, 2008

jason
this is where italy and france rock. it is possible to get a $20 wine ( in the US ) and it rawks your booty. even in switzerland, 20 bucks can go a long way. good suggestions gary. BTW way to start the week, not including yesterday

bravo!
September 23, 2008

Eliot in the Lou
QOTD – Don’t know yet. I think you’re right on the money with the better question – why aren’t these wines more popular? Italy is more confusing than France. Is it a grape? Is it a place? Is it a style? WTF? I never know for sure if I’m buying the right thing.

QsOTD back to you: Where did you go for dinner, what did you order, and what wine did you drink?

Keep rockin’ it GV
September 23, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: Love them. We had a 2001 Tenuta Vitanza Brunello di Montalcino a little while ago, and even though it was a bit young, it was really great. My personal score for it was 94 (higher than Parker or Tanzer). It wasn’t a $20.00 bottle though; closer to $60.00. I’d be happy to try any Brunello; we don’t get them much here.
September 23, 2008

cb
Monte. was my first case of wine. Don’t remember what kind but it was great. thanks for doing this.
September 23, 2008

Neil
QOTD: I only have tried the first one – the 2005 Cerro Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano and wasn’t that impressed by the effort, 86 pts maybe. If I came across the 2004 Torcalvano or the Poliziano I might give it another shot.
September 23, 2008

Jens
Gary, you’re getting peeps confused: It’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano….and not Montalcino. Look what DaveyDonut has just written.

QOTD: A Vino Nobile is a nice wine.

Jens from
Copenhagen
September 23, 2008

Derek F.
OWW MAN, love the new wrist bands, how can I get one???

QOTD: I want to get more into these wines…I need to!!
September 23, 2008

Wayne Willems
Very good from an italian view..I myself as a southern American from Arkansas would perfer our state wines. Please visit these links to find out more about them. My company provides entertainment to all types of events in Arkansas, so we have seen a variety of wines from all over the world.

Post Familie Winery
http://www.postfamilie.com ,One of my favorites is the “Red Muscadine”
________________________

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars
http://www.wiederkehrwines.com/ ,Try the “Alpine Burgundy”
September 23, 2008

M
QOTD: I’ve had Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Brunello di Montalcino, and Rosso di Montalcino. I don’t think I’ve tried any Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The few Montepulciano d’Abruzzo were meh. The Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino rocked. Bring on some Vino Nobile to expand my palate.
September 23, 2008

brorjace
Not too familiar with Nobile. Had regular ol montepulciano, buts thats no the same right? I like the style Italians have with their wine though, Brunello and other funky wines especially.
September 23, 2008

Hido53
Gary -

Haven’t had a Nobile di Montepulciano. Sound like serious wines worth exploring. Been drinking a lot of whites and roses of late, but with Fall/Winter on the way, I can feel the urge to go for some big reds. I think the Poliziano would be more appealing to me. Not much into the “poopy-poop”!
September 23, 2008

Glen.... winecrazy.com
Miami…??

I drove all the way to Asbury Park a couple weeks ago and guess what.

Exactly!!!

Care to explain Vay-ner-chuk
September 23, 2008

Riley
I was drinking an interesting Montepulciano d’Abruzzo while watching the show, but closer to the nobile, i have been blown away by a verduno pelaverga (do ut des; ascheri) for a couple weeks now. I had it with a nice provencal grill out and was flabbergasted by the complexities at the price of $18.
September 23, 2008

Purple Tooth
QOTD: We used to drink alot of red Italian wines. Maybe my palate is changing, but I’m just not enjoying them as much. Their quality seems to have slipped.
September 23, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

I greatly look forward to the new wristband becoming available.

QOTD: I wish they were more widely available. At a ~$20 price point, I’d always be interested in trying something new that could theoretically rival a ~$50-60 Brunello.

–RH
September 23, 2008

rino
I agree, vino nobile di montepulciano is an under the radar wine. Although i think a fine example is Avignonesi vndm, any vintage will do.
September 23, 2008

ellenkf
I agree with others who mentioned the mispronunciation. It would be most helpful, Gary, if you would go over the names of varietals/areas/labels before taping, so that you don’t pass on the wrong pronunciation. It can be quite embarrassing and/or confusing to order wines in a restaurant setting and use the wrong words – one is way more likely to get better service if one can at least pronounce what is desired.
September 23, 2008

JudeMurphy
I generally hate Italian reds but there have been a few exceptions.
I’ll certainly look out for those ones!
September 23, 2008

Bernardo
I’m glad people noticed Gary’s mistake… Montepulciano producers are probably crossing him right now, since calling their wines Montalcino is as bad as calling Champagne wines Cava…
September 23, 2008

Tooch
Going to Italy in November for an art and wine tour. Excited to try these Montepulciano…not montalcino!!! wines.
September 23, 2008

TenaciousE
Love me some sangiovese, VNdM (Montalcino?) included … had a very nice Avignonesi at Volare in Chicago over the winter, and a decent if not mindblowing Canneto awhile back.

So help me, I even like Villa Antinori, and I’d probably drink a lot more of it if it weren’t so stupidly priced.

Haven’t had a Montepulciano in a very long time, now that I think about it.
September 23, 2008

Pete G
Good show. Totally agree V Nobile is way under the radar (thank God something in Europe is). Compared to Brunellos, Barbarescos and Barolos, they are a steal. Hopefully it stays that way awhile.
September 23, 2008

Marshall
qotd: I’ve only had one called “Tenuta” I think. It was a 2001 riserva and it was very good indeed.
September 23, 2008

Dave M.
Gary, What is Montalcino ?? Isn’t it Mont-el-pulci-ano ?
September 23, 2008

Richard Okimoto
QOTD: never had ‘em, but always looking to expand the palate!
September 23, 2008

Aja1
I think the good people of Montepulciano would be offended to hear you refer to their prized wine as Vino Nobile de Montalcino. As I’m sure you know they are two different hill towns, each using sangiovese in theor own great way. Brunello from Montalcino and Vino Nobile from Montepulciano.

Love your shows.

Aja1
September 23, 2008

Tom Langan
So??????? How do we get the new “Vayner Nation” wristband? I’m a collector!
September 23, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: I have not found an Italian wine that I really have enjoyed so thanks for a new type for me to seek out………
September 23, 2008

Rick D
We love the Italian reds. We visited both Montepulciano and Montalcino last year. It certainly enhances your appreciation of the Tuscan wines when you visit the wineries. Brunello, Chianti, VNdM, all have their unique draw. There’s nothing like sitting on a patio on Il Campo in Siena sipping a Brunello watching the world go by. I sent a case of Brunello home from Montalcino which started my wine collection, now at 160 bottles. I had to buy two refrigerators to hold it.
September 23, 2008

AngioRanger
Glad to see a return to shows with an educational slant. Monte Nob is good stuff. Italianisimo.
The new w.bands look good. How about throwing some out to those who left comments today?
September 23, 2008

sam
It just seems to me like there is an infinite amount of great wines out there…Where to start? I never have had a Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano.
Thanks to the Thundershow, I have discovered the Dolcettos, especially the Di Dogliani. However, my new found love tends to be Bordeaux wines from St-Estèphe and other communal appellations from the Haut-Médoc. I love tradition when it comes to wine.

Always up for new stuff…Thanks for all the interesting and compelling discoveries!
September 23, 2008

Slushpuppy
I too love the ‘old world’ taste; for quality vs. price I think Italy is lacking. Spanish wine rocks my palate much better.
Smell it first!
September 23, 2008

Lois and Greg
Great episode. 4 wines, 10 minutes with good info on a wine I’ve yet to try.
September 23, 2008

Dominus
Who needs Viagra? These are the shows I stash away in my “classic” section. “Please people, stop drinking Banfi Brunello . . . Ruffino Gold . . . I’d rather be punched in the neck” Hilarious, but ohhhh so true when it comes to these wines. Which leads me to the qotd.

QOTD: I LOVE THESE WINES. Half the time you don’t know what you’re getting into but it reminds me (in my fantasies) of going on a blind date, I ring the doorbell, the door opens, and there stands (put in your own #1 hottie).

I want a wristband to add to my collection and I want it now. How do we get ‘em?

Cheers!
September 23, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: They are delicious.
September 23, 2008

Stugots
Bang Zoom! Great quick episode. I am going to go back to all of your past Italian episodes to refresh on all Italy has to offer. Ditto on the Banfi/Ruffino comments.
September 23, 2008

Little Jonny H
I love the little educational tidbits. I asked myself the “Montepulciano d’abruzzo is so much cheaper than Nobile de Montepulciano, why would I pay twice the price?” Now, I know…

QOTD: Haven’t had one, yet. Tend to be too pricey for me, though I’d love to try another expression of sangiovese.
September 23, 2008

TimInSpokane
Very cool show on some wines that I have actually SEEN around here! I need to go buy a few to get more familiar with them.

QOTD -I really like a lot of the Italian wines. So many of the American and Austrailian wines that are more available here tend to be overripe bombs with too much bing cherry, raisin and prune components, and although dry, drink with too much sweetness for me. The Italian wines tend to have nice acidity, more red fruits (raspberries, marionberries, and cranberry), along with the slight oak influences and often that earthiness (or is it poopy??) that Gary talks about. After writing this, I think I need to go drink some Italian wine now….
September 23, 2008

Sean McCann
The new wrist bands are great. How can we get them?
September 23, 2008

BWicked
Gary,
Thanks for the great show.
I have enjoyed many Italian wines but feel that my knowledge
(and therefore interest) is hindered by my not speaking Italian.
I feel that it is too much effort to try to learn all of the terms.
Your recommendation that all wine labeling include names of
varietals would be an appreciated crutch.
September 23, 2008

tiffanygladson
QOTD: I think they look pretty awesome, and I can’t wait to try one! I love the shows where I get to learn about a wine I’ve never heard of, or an aspect of wine that I was previously unaware of. Thanks!
September 23, 2008

Bill
Liked the ep. Hopefully turned some peeps on to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

QOTD: Been drinking these wines for years. Appreciate their rustic quality. Like GV mentioned, goes great with Italian-American classics such spaghetti and meatballs. Really hits the spot!
September 23, 2008

Heather Howe
No comments mention the Jets. Chargers bolted ahead, sorry vayner Gary.
Wristbands it’s all about the wristbands. Like Montepulciano episode, but Gary Gary leave us Cali folks some love. Chalone, Foley, Foxen Cambria? Gary lead us into the valley of Katharine, Julia and Santa Rita Hills.
September 23, 2008

ScottEJ
Never had one, but will certainly be on the lookout. They seem to be a nice BYOB wine to some of my local Italian spots that allow it. I prefer the bigger Italians to softer, more expensive ones, anyway.
September 23, 2008

ramona
great show have never had a vino nobile, will have to try
September 23, 2008

Orion S.
QotD: I’ll let you know once I try some.
September 23, 2008

Rowland
harvesting 4 tons of grapes tomorrow!
September 23, 2008

Kevin
My thoughts? You just pissed off a bunch of Italians calling it a wine from Montalcino!!! I’m a fan, have tasted a few in Montepulciano [ahem, not Montalcino], find them a bit overpriced compared to some of the great bargains from southern Italy, but solid wines, no question.
September 23, 2008

DAve A
Good show. thanks. QOTD: I’ll try to find them. thanks.
September 23, 2008

suikagirl1
Montalcino? Awww, G… see what happens when you do 5 shows in one day? lol

Aside from that, thanks for the great notes! I know what I’m scouting out (and what to pazzzzzz….)

mmwah!
September 23, 2008

Herb
Is that Ian-D’Agata-Da-Vida?
September 23, 2008

Roberto
lol, no more fifteen shows in a week !!! montalcino, not to be confused with montepulciano??? love ya dude, but this one really hurts a few friends of mine in Montepulciano…
September 23, 2008

Anthony L.
Love a little Vino di Nobile…one of my favorites
September 23, 2008

JT
Finally! I’ve been hoping for a Vino Nobile episode for a couple years now. Vino Nobile is one of my favorite wines. I know they are often criticized for inconsistent quality, but they offer a lot of Brunello-like fun for half the price. Can’t say much more other than I like them a lot.

PS- prune-yo-lo, can-ay-o-lo, mon-tay-pool-cha-no
September 23, 2008

Mike Nally
I’ve been lurking too much lately and owe you a big “love the show” comment from the heart so here it is. Thanks for everything Gary!
September 23, 2008

pete c
Love Vino Nobile. Agree it’s under the radar for most people. Sangiovese is a wonderful grape which at it’s best offers beautiful bouquet with delicious taste. Good food wines. Acidity goes well with tomato based cuisines.
September 23, 2008

BargePlus
Just got my Secret Pack, and tore into it. A slight disappointment that I didn’t win a free ticket to the Thunder Cruise, but them’s the breaks. But can you imagine? NO WRISTBAND!!!!! I mean I only buy these secret packs to get a new wristband. So now I’m just stuck with the wine. Just not the same without a new wristband. Maybe if I get a can of green spray paint (or even a yellow for the Gen4 WB), I could coat over one of my extra Gen3 bands, and just pretend I’m with the IN crowd. What do you think?

Such a sad story.
September 23, 2008

TommyBoBo of WI
Heading to Italy on the 14th, hitting Montepulciano at some point,, tonights ep has me salivating…… great show as always!
September 23, 2008

Columbia Wine Gal
Great show, Gary! very entertaining as usual
I’d love to get into Italian wines. Most of the wines I have at home are from CA since that’s the region I usually go to for wine tasting… Maybe I’m due for a trip to Italy.

Nice wristbands! I’ve been waiting for the new ones for a while, how can I get them?
September 23, 2008

Bryan Garcia
Love the episode…as usual. i <3 the new wristband! how do we get em?
September 23, 2008

hugh
Nice to see more variety on the Thunder Show….i am not a big fan of Italian wines in general…..often Sangio doesnt “do it” for me, and i find it hard to find good QPR (much like California) but in this price range i’ll take the plunge and see for myself…..sounds like Vino Nobile packs a punch at half or less of what Brunellos cost
September 23, 2008

Chris in Tulsa
QOTD: In the last few years my education and experience with wine has grown greatly, thanks to your show and all the tons of books on wine I read and all the wines I have been trying. I though haven’t found many red Italian wines that I have been really fond of. So many great value French wines that I love from all different regions and great QPR’s. Will try to look for some of these and see if I find that great Italian wine.
September 24, 2008

KW
Brunellos are overrated and overpriced. These look like a good deal!
September 24, 2008

Nicholas Lazarus
QOTD: Never had. Sounds like their right up my alley though.
September 24, 2008

Kristen
QOTD: I’ve never had one of those wines, but I am definitely going to seek some out to give them a try =)
September 24, 2008

aaronb
QOTD: I drink a lot of Sierra Nevada sangiovese, but I’ve only had one Italian sangiovese so far (yes, it was a Banfi). I’ll probably try a few more, but it’s not high on my list of priorities just now.
September 24, 2008

rimarfish
QOTD: Never had a Montepulciano. Look forward to some of these this weekend.
September 24, 2008

Dan.K
QOTD Vino Nobile di Montepulciano? Am I allowed to drink a wine that I can’t pronounce? Or is it that I’m only to drink wine that I can’t pronounce? Haven’t yet tried the wine – definitely a “wine of opportunity” if the occasion to find/purchase the wine presents itself.
September 24, 2008

medo
I love Vino Nobile di Montepulciano! Had from Polziano the single vineyard “Asinone” and fell in love! Great wines for a fair price out of this region!
September 24, 2008

gjport
oh gv, time for a change. just too blah. time for a makeover. this format is history.
sorry.
September 24, 2008

Hannes
Hey Gary I am one of those in SINGAPORE! And I import alot of Itlian wines myself (for fun I drink them all, last batch was 300!) and I am the only subscriber of the FANTASTIC ITalian wine magazine MERUM here…

I like your show, in general, and share a lot of your passions (DOlcetto, Barbera, et al).

OK my point today is this:

Your Italian is PATHETIC… please please try to say things coretly.. its BARBERA.. BAROLO.. then this story is about MONEPULICAO and not not not MNTALCINO you really confuse people I think. Brunello di Montepulciano? Barolo die Montalcino? Barabaresco d’Abruzzo? Nonono. Get it right please Italian is a beautiful, simple language…

Besides this unimportant niggly critisizm, I have a request to make FROM SINGAPORE:

TRY WINES FROM CORSICA!!!!

If you dont I will bug you every day.

In case you never had them: they are reminescent of Tuscan but much more spicy and very very underrated. Problem is you might not get them easily in the USA> Come to Singapore I have a bunch of them! Try Domaine Leccia, Vico, Gionelli the sweet old man – only available at his cellar door I have them all – Torracia, D’ALzipratu, Colombu, REnucci is great.. ok here you go. THe whites are very crisp and full and special (you will love them!), the reds are dense and almost Brunello or CHianti Ris quality, and they make the BEST MUSCAT in France in my opinion (with a LOT, a LOOT of honey component you ont find this anywahere else).

Enough said? Try it!

Second proposal:

Try BAVARIAN white wines, tey are great. I came from there, Silvaner and RIesling from Franken is delicious more another time on that one I see first when you will do the Corsica…

Hey great show on the Nobile de MONTEPULCIANO totally my taste what you say, aain. Dam it.

I am sipping on an old botle of Occieti Nebbiolo from Ratti by the way… better than many Barolos.. Barolo di Montepulinano of course..
September 24, 2008

Chris Hansen
Interesting QPR article in the NY Times. What do you think about Eric Asimov?

QOTD: I’ll be on the lookout. How does it compare to Aglianico?
September 24, 2008

Rolf Rupprecht
my brother-in-law introduced me to these wines 10 years ago. Big fan since then. I have the 2003 vintage of the Cero and it is “slap your Mama” good…
September 24, 2008

robnmo
never had a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, really need to expand my horizons in regards to Italian wine.
September 24, 2008

WineWoman
Like the Vaynernation WB!!!! Also the “Punch me in the neck” remark. I have been given Ruffino Chianti (Tan label, maybe even Gold) and admittedly have re-gifted them or brought to a BYO establishment.
QOTD: I probably have had Vino de Nobile Montepulciano, but saw the word Montepulciano with Abbruzzo and thought they were the same. Now I will sek out some of these wines. I know I’ve definitely drank Montepulciano Abbruzzo and it was never at the top of my list, even as I’ve become more educated in wine–they were just okay. I’ll have to give them a closer look.
September 24, 2008

Shawn_944
Great Show, love the new wrisband

QOTD: Gotta try one
September 24, 2008

Carlitos
OMG!!! I know pronunciation is a pet peeve of mine and I understand we got what we deserve for forcing you to tape videos for when you are not home. I really hope this didn’t create even more confusion in the people that tried a M de Abruzzo and now don’t want to try the VNdM. Completelly different grapes, different places. Missed educational opportunity!

I hope to see you Friday in Miami and be able to laugh at it together.

See you!
September 24, 2008

Sassodoro
You only have 4 Vino Nobile’s in the store? Gary!

Mrs. Sassodoro and I love these wines!

BTW, you do know that it is Montepulciano, not Montalcino.

Here’s a suggestion for a QOTD: What is your favorite under-the-radar Italian wine? (Sooo many of them.)
September 24, 2008

Andy
Great wine G …. Tasted many of them in Italy this past June.. We even went to Montepulciano …….. Wow what a place. Fun to drink kind of place.
September 24, 2008

RANDI
GARY!
QOTD: I love Italian red wine…all seem to have a different lure. To be honest, I dont know if Ive ever had a Montepuliciano..but promise to find one TODAY!
I should be in Miami Friday!!
September 24, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I don’t have any thoughts yet other than I’ll have to try one soon.
September 24, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo G, NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICE VINOS!!!

QOTD: I had the Poliziano VNdM several vintages ago, from what i can
remember (too lazy to search thru me tastin’ notes right now), it was
a pretty tasty Vino. Gotta get somma that Cerro…..LOOOOOOOOOOOVE
da “Sour Cherry” profile…….YUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM !!!
September 24, 2008

Wednesday
Nice show, Gary.
Another wine to add to the list as I’m nearly always pleased with an amarone or barolo, but not as much with the price points.
September 24, 2008

Rick O'Shea
Another wine to add to the list!
September 24, 2008

italianwinelover
Nice show – big fan of Italian wines.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the wristbands – how do we get them! Can they be shipped to IL or is there some stupid law about that too. My PO box in Iowa will be set up soon!!

I have had Montepulciano from Abruzzo and go crazy over them – can’t wait to taste these finds!!
September 24, 2008

Michel Beauchamp
From Poliziano, the Asinone cuvée is worth every extra cent you have to pay.

From Avignonesi, the cuvée Grandi Annata 1999 that we had a few years ago was shockingly great and was a major factor in me looking beyond Chianti and Brunello. We now have the 2004 Grandi Annata available in Quebec. Has anyone tried it and willing to share his impressions?
September 24, 2008

JMaxwell
Yes, a friend of ours has shown interest in montepulciano recently. I have not heard your pronounciation before, where you compress “pul”. I’ve always heard montEEpullchEEaano. Vaynernation wristband is smooth Gary.
September 24, 2008

JimChem
Good show! And Montepulciano is a beautiful place to visit.
September 24, 2008

Chippewamike
QOTD: Never had one. Taking an Italian wine class though and hope to taste one in one of the last three classes. Funny you mentioned Banfi. I did not catch it when I watched this on UStream, but now that I have started the wine class, I know who and what Banfi is
September 24, 2008

kenny_k
I don’t remember, will this weekend. Wristband with Jets colors, COOL!!!
September 24, 2008

Eduardo
I know it´s difficult for you to pronounce italian but these wines prononced MON TE PUL CIA NO and the Brunello is from MON TAL CI NO, and the c is pronounced like ch in china…just a little help…even though you´re still great!!
September 24, 2008

Mark Iwanicki
MON TE PUL CHHH IANO not Montechino!!!!!!!!!!!
September 24, 2008

Matti
QOTD: Love these wines! Have some of the 2004 Poliziano in the cellar. I would also give big thumbs up to Trattoria Pulcino wines and greetings to Luca!
September 24, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Italian wines rock!!

Q-Not a bunch, picked one up a couple weeks ago that I am looking forward to trying.
September 24, 2008

Adam Teece
New wristbands look pretty spiffy. Green is the best color out there after all. Despite it being the color of the NY Jets. And of course the Vaynernation makes it all the better.

QOTD: Haven’t tried them yet, but will eventually.
September 24, 2008

sharon
Okay I’m going back to Italy…Those Montepulcianos sound fabulous. And affordable, too.
September 24, 2008

RobRx
Take Italian lessons, pronunciation obviously incorrect. Ok for guys in the store, not OK for a person in the media.
September 24, 2008

R. J. Rotella
I generally enjoy your shows, but you really butchered the names of these wines (not just the pronunciations, but even confused Montalcino and Montepulciano) so much so that you lost credibility with respect to any other opinions you may have expressed about the wines themselves.

I think your enthusiasm is refreshing, but you really just winged it in this one, and I tuned right out. I would be glad to help you with your Italian pronunciations — I know a little about Italian wine. Just trying to provide some constructive criticism.
September 24, 2008

laposte
QOTD:
These are real value wines if you like brunello. Good show!
September 24, 2008

John D.
Thanks for the great show Gary! Loved the Banfi and Ruffino comment, been looking to try something different and this price point is pretty nice too.

So, do you ever go double wristband, you know, one on each arm???? Digging the new one.
September 24, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – Love the Vino Nobile and almost see them as a nice middle ground (in price) between Chianti and Brunello… great with Italian food, of course! Was actually able to visit the Del Cerro winery and tasting room that was in the beautiful hilltop village of Montepulciano.

Don’t want to be negative, but just wanted to mention two things. I thought it was pronounced Mon – te – pul – chi – an – o. And this region is certainly in Tuscany.

Thanks GV!!!
September 25, 2008

jsrassat
Italy, can’t go wrong.
September 25, 2008

djs
Have had past vintages of the Cerro and enjoyed them very much.
September 25, 2008

Ryan D
Good show aside from the gross mispronunciation! Only took 400 or so episodes for you to do a vino nobile episode after I’d suggested it!

QotD: Love Vino Nobiles, probably my favorite not on ly for taste but for sentimental reasons.
September 25, 2008

Derek
I have a vino nobile at home. looking forward to cracking it open now.
September 25, 2008

Vericlese
Ha ha Bamfi! My thoughts exactly. Headed to France next weekend for a restock so the Italias are off the radar for awhile.
September 25, 2008

CD
Hey Gary. Love your show. Great energy. You say we shouldn’t confuse Montepulciano with Montalcino but you keep saying Montalcino instead of Montepulciano. take it easy!
September 25, 2008

Seth T
hey gary… big time fan and long time lurker. i know a ton of comments have already addressed the issue, but maybe this will help clear up the confusion a lot of people are feeling:

-there is both a village in tuscany called montepulciano and a grape called montepulciano that are not directly related (ancient origins aside).

-the wines that were presented in this show, vino nobile di montepulciano (as well as a wine that requires less aging, rosso di montepulciano) are made primarily from a clone of sangiovese called prugnolo gentile.

-these are different than brunello di montalcino and rosso di montalcino, which both come from around the town of montalcino in tuscany and are made from the same clone of sangiovese, though called locally the brunello clone or sangiovese grosso.

-the grape montepulciano is seen more in le marche as rosso conero and rosso piceno (both blended with sangiovese) and in abruzzo as montepulciano d’abruzzo (as well as other regions).

and not to lose all of my credibility… it easy to say that banfi is not the most boutique brunello producer around (far from it)… but to put them in the same boat with ruffino chianti is totally unfair. banfi makes consistently quality wines year after year… definitely not earth-shatteringly profound, but good nonetheless. ruffino is a different story.
September 25, 2008

thefaamakesmedrink
Gary,

Here’s my first thought about these types of wines:

M-O-N-T-E-P-U-L-C-I-A-N-O.

Out of those thirteen letters, I get:

Mon-teh-pull-chee-AH-no.

How do you get:

Mon-teh-CHEE-no?

I won’t even get into no-BEE-lay…

Regards,

Jim Lampley
September 25, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
While I have had these wines for over 30 years, they are not my first choice for similar wines, They always come across as too rustic and too harsh for my tastes.
September 25, 2008

Bruce Moore
Hey Gary,
Great show. Nice to see you have such knowledgeable and passionate viewers but geez I think the boys and girls could cut you some slack. It’s hard to pronounce all the letters when you speak that fast. As for the wines perhaps it’s time to give Italy another try. I’ve been so stuck on the frenchies. Right now I’m hooked on Giroflet. If you can find some (only 1000 bottles of the red per year)check it out. And wow only 20 bones to boot.
Bruce
September 25, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – I enjoy the old world wines and taste. More rustic and barnyard tastes are good. Please keep telling us about these wines.
September 26, 2008

Tyler Walker
Im a huge fan of italian wines in general…especially with food….i wish i had a cellar to put a few of them away, cause unfortunately i drink them when they are too young
September 26, 2008

pawncop
Good show, just another one I am going to have to add to the list. Lord the list is getting long.
September 26, 2008

CB Lukens
GV – Thanks for what you do. QOTD – I enjoy your Italy shows since I’m ignorant of Italy. I’m waiting for a huge chunk of time to devote to Italy and these shows help.
September 26, 2008

Kenny Dion
never had one. Need one, need one bad.
September 26, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: No thoughts. Brain is kind of sluggish right now.
September 26, 2008

Grapedigger
Great show Gary…I like Sangio…Love Brunello, but have not tried the Montepulcino yet! Will do soon.
Cheers
September 27, 2008

Dan-o
GV – liked the show!
I am a fan of most Italian wines and the VNdM’s are nice quaffs.
I will take a bit of exception to the Banfi Brunello, which I am a fan of, however I understand your point.
September 28, 2008

vinosseur
You mean (Vino Nobile di)”Montepulciano” don’t you? In the first minute of your video, you repeat “Montalcino” (the home of Brunello)
- vinosseur
September 28, 2008

arvino
to bad, about the wrong wine region. Montepulciano! BUT GOOD SHOW, I love the Italian Tuscan Wines, and had the Cerro Vino Nobile 2005, nice rustic wine, good paring with the pasta bolognese.
September 29, 2008

JayZee
Someone was not having a good day…
September 29, 2008

Jaz Scott
I thought it was a concise and to the point episode. I knew what you were talking about but I agree that you dropped the ball when you confused Montalcino with Montepulciano. What was up with the distraction of when you guys were going to dinner???? I’d try to keep it more professional…like the Jets. Love the shows, I’m a big fan.
September 29, 2008

Cuse Wino
Nice quick show, good for those busy Vayner-heads!

Never had one and yes, I was one of those confused about the Noble and Abruzzo, etc.
Will search them out. Thanks for the knowledge!!!!
September 29, 2008

ChiroGuyDC
Curtis Martin had his best years with the Patriots, good thing we added the likes of Robert Edwards and Antowain Smith to follow him up!

Great show GARY!!!

QOTD: I’ve only tried one type of Montepuliano grape varietal (Barone 2006) and it was damn good!
September 30, 2008

MattUD
Nice quick episode, especially since I am catching up. Nice info on a new wine for me.
September 30, 2008

Christine
Gary – its Mon-te-pul-ci-a-no – when you were pronouncing it, it sounded more like Montalcino which may confuse your viewers not that Italy is confusing enough on its own! not to be confused with montepulciano d’abrruzi…ofcourse….i love your show…..we have the same palattes and view points on wine but I had to correct you
September 30, 2008

Jimmy T
QOTD: I agree again about expanding the pal. I have loved trying some of the “other” italians.
October 4, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
Good show and it’s one of the wines I have been enjoying lately.
End is chi-ah-no not chino I believe
October 5, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: These wines can be great values for the price, especially when compared to the price structure changes that have happened with Barolo and Barbaresco, as well as with some “Super Tuscans” with over-priced branded names.
October 19, 2008

Sharon
Oops Gary you keep on saying Montalcino when you mean to say Montepulciano. Mon-tay-pool-chee-ah-no accent on the ‘ah’. (I took 1 yr of Italian in college)
Hey I hope your Jets win today versus the Raiders.
Oh, nice wristband!
These wines seem very interesting! Dunno if I have tried. Have certainly tried fair share of Sangiovese based Italian wines.
October 30, 2008

yowens
Hey Gary- I’ve been to that area- excellent wines. One thing- Montelcino is a town not far from Montepulciano but they are different. The wines are from Montelpuciano, you kept saying Montelcino. I bought one of those recently, can’t wait to try it!
November 15, 2008

Metal Dave
QOTD: Love ‘em. A visit to Poliziano during the excellent 2004 harvest was the moment the my life became completely wine-obsessed. I recently had a bottle of the 04 Asinone which completely blew me away. I haven’t had the DEI ‘04, but was disappointed to hear you didn’t like it after I’d had great experiences with the ‘01

Cheers!!
January 22, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Nice quick little show. Helps me catch up and give me some ideas on new wines. QOTD: No, Ive never had one.
January 24, 2009

salvatore
Interesting…..Mid pallet comment.

I’d like to see a show; with a wine, that you know gives a fantastic mid pallet; vs one you know is abscent a mid pallet. Because I’m not sure I get the whole mid pallet tasting evaluation deal.

I’ve been serioulsy trying many many different wines since first watching you in 2006. I definitely would not have done prior to this show.