Asinone (2016) - Poliziano

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In the heart of Tuscany, among the gentle hills of Montepulciano, lies a vineyard with a fascinating story to tell: Asinone. The wine takes its name from a plot of land which, seen from above, resembles the shape of a large donkey. The Poliziano winery, founded in 1961, has turned this spot into a byword for winemaking excellence. The 2016 vintage was a particularly special one, thanks to ideal weather that allowed Sangiovese to express all its power and refinement. Asinone is not just a wine but a tale of passion and tradition handed down from one generation to the next.

Asinone (2016) - Poliziano

Type: Red Wine

Area: Italy, Tuscany, Montepulciano

Appellation: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

Grape variety: Sangiovese

Vintage: 2016

Winery: Poliziano

Alcohol: 14.5%

The appellation: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG is one of the most prestigious appellations in Tuscan viticulture, officially recognised in 1980. This red wine, produced mainly from Sangiovese grapes, is a symbol of the winemaking tradition of the Montepulciano area, a territory marked by a favourable climate and mineral-rich soils. Its history has its roots in centuries of passion and dedication, making it a product of excellence.

What to eat with Asinone

Who makes it: Poliziano

Poliziano is a historic winery in the heart of Tuscany, founded in 1961 by Franco Biondi Santi with the aim of showcasing local winemaking traditions and producing high-quality wines.The name "Poliziano" takes its inspiration from the great Tuscan poet Angelo Poliziano, a byword for culture and refinement. The philosophy of Poliziano rests on: Tradition and innovation, a combination that marks every wine Respect for the land, with vineyards that embrace the Tuscan landscape Sustainability, an ongoing commitment to the environment Affordable quality: wines made for every occasion

The vine of Asinone

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is one of the most important and widely planted black grape varieties in Italy, and it is the undisputed protagonist of some of the greatest Italian red wines. Grown mainly in Tuscany, but also found in other regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Umbria and the Marche, Sangiovese gives wines of great elegance, freshness and longevity.

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Asinone: the Montepulciano area

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a red wine that represents one of the most authentic expressions of Italian viticulture. Produced mainly in the Abruzzo region, this wine is known for its robust character and its complex aromatic profile. Its history has its roots in antiquity, when local growers began cultivating Montepulciano grapes, a black grape variety that adapted perfectly to the climate and the soils of the area. Today Montepulciano is appreciated not only in Italy but internationally as well, thanks to its versatility and the quality of the wines it produces.

Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Asinone

Primary aromas: Cherry, Ripe red fruit

Secondary aromas: Spices, Vanilla

Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco

Tasting notes: An elegant wine with notes of ripe red fruit and spice, well-integrated tannins and a long finish.

Sulphites	yes
Body	Full-bodied
Acidity	Medium-high
Tannin	Medium-high
Sweetness	Dry
Finish	Long
Colour	Ruby red
Clarity	Clear

Winemaking methods used for Asinone

Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel

Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel is a technique that makes it possible to produce fresh, fruity, clean wines, preserving the varietal aromas of the grapes at their best.

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2–3 week maceration with gentle pump-overs and punch-downs

A 2–3 week maceration with gentle pump-overs and punch-downs is a traditional technique that yields wines of great elegance, balance and structure. It is used above all for reds where colour, aroma and tannin need to be extracted in a controlled way, while keeping the wine's freshness and finesse.The aim is harmonious wines, in which power and structure are balanced by finesse and aromatic complexity.

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Ageing methods used for Asinone

In barrique (7–18 months)

Ageing in barrique for 7 to 18 months is one of the most common stages for medium- and full-bodied wines, where the wood has time to interact with the wine in depth without dominating it. This length gives balanced wines, with greater aromatic complexity, polished tannins and a more refined evolutionary profile, keeping varietal and tertiary notes in balance.

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Time on the lees for Asinone

No contact with the lees