Avignonesi is Italy’s largest biodynamic winery, located in tiny Valiano, Tuscany between Cortona and Montepulciano.

Its owner, Virginie Saverys, a former lawyer from Belgium,  purchased it in 2009 from the original owners, the Avignonesi family, and has spent the last 10 years converting its vines and winemaking processes to follow those of back-to-basics biodynamism.

This part of Italy makes some of the country’s best wines.  The Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita or DOCG is the highest level designation of quality for Italian wines, and the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines produced under these guidelines must be made from at least 70% Sangiovese.  Other grapes – Canailo Nero (10-20%) and Mammalo – can be added.

However, this version is 100% Sangiovese from 10-36 year old vines, aged for 18 months in oak casks and barriques.

Translucent garnet, it boasts a beautiful nose and palate of deep red cherry, strawberry, red plum, garrigue and earth.  Seamless tannins are complemented by a long finish.

Officially delicious, this wine would be a great pairing with many dishes – including chicken saltimbocca, pasta and Tuscan beef.