CECCHI Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Cecchi 2006 The Cecchi family trace their winemaking roots to 1893 when Luigi Cecchi set up his own business as a wine taster and broker in the Poggibonsi region. In the 1970s, Cecchi moved to Castellina in Chianti, an area which has traditionally produced Chianti Classico. Since then its reputation has gone from strength to strength becoming one of the leading producers in Tuscany and beyond. The Cecchi family now own four properties: • Villa Cerna in the Chianti Classico region • Castello di Montauto at San Gimignano • Val delle Rose near Grosseto, in the Tuscan Maremma, the production area for the Morellino di Scansano • Tenuta Alzatura at Montefalco, in Umbria Since 2004, following the death of Luigi (the son of the founder), his sons Cesare and Andrea, along with their mother Anita, have run the company with enthusiasm and passion. Grape Varieties 95% Prugnolo Gentile 3% Canaiolo 2% Mammolo Food Matching Note: Excellent with roasts and not aromatic cheeses, it can also be appreciated as a meditation wine. Serving temperature of 16-18°C is advised. Tasting Note: The Cecchi Vino Nobile has a very intense ruby red colour tending towards garnet with age and the aroma has a distinct perfume of violets and sweet violets. The alcohol content makes the aromatic sensation ethereal and prolonged. In the mouth, the Vino Nobile is dry, lightly tannic which hints of vanilla and is beautifully balanced with a deep structure. Vinification Note: The Cecchi Family have been working in Montepulciano for many years have long term contracts with their growers to allow them to have the greatest possible control over the production. The grape varieties used are Prugnolo Gentile, a clone of Sangiovese identified over 200 years ago, Canaiolo nero and Mammolo in small percentages. After fermentation there follows ageing in small and medium sized oak barrels for at least two years, before the wine is finally released. Price: £17.10 (Including VAT at 20%)