Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2019
(Tuscany, Italy) - [WS 93, #34 Top 100 of 2023] [DM 93] [JS 93] [VM 92] [WE 91]

About the Winery:
The estate was established in 1964 when Alibrando Dei, the grandfather of Caterina, purchased Bossona where he planted a vineyard (from which Dei's top wine, Vino Nobile Riserva Bossona, is made). In 1973 the Martiena property was added together with the beautiful villa which was restructured in the 1930s by the well known architect Piacentini. During the first years the grapes were sold. The family then decided to start making wine and in 1985, which was an exceptional vintage, a cellar was rented in the centre of the town of Montepulciano and the first bottles of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano were produced. In 1989 a cellar with modern equipment was built next to the villa.

Caterina has personally managed the estate since 1991 when she left her career in the theatre. She is supported by Jacopo Felici, a young and very talented agronomist/oenologist who works full time at the estate, and by the well known oenologist Paolo Caciorgna. Paolo has been consulting at Tenuta Dei since January 2014, as Nicolò D'Afflitto, consulting oenologist at Dei since 1992, now works exclusively for a large wine enterprise.

Ratings & Reviews:

93 Points & #34 Top 100 of 2023 - Wine Spectator:
"A smooth red, with cherry, plum and spice flavors shaded by savory underbrush and wild herb accents. Shows iron and tobacco details on then long finish, with fine balance and grip overall. Prugnolo Gentile and Canaiolo. Best from 2024 through 2040." - BS (Oct 2023)

93 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"After a slight delay in ripening, grapes benefitted from the warm, sunny days in mid-September and harvest of the estate’s five dispersed plots occurred successively over the first two weeks of October. Earthy rather than fruity in aroma, this sports a striking nose of herbs, green tobacco and iron. It's loaded with vigorous yet polished tannins, subtle mineral nuances and offers plenty of mature cherry and plum to pad it out. A full, powerful style that has not only found its balance but is also a skillful interpretation of terroir and vintage." (Mar 2022)

93 Points - James Suckling:
"Extremely perfumed and fresh with an elegant and attractive nose. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine, delicate tannins and a delicious finish. So delicious." (Jul 2022)

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"Wild herbs, black cherries and exotic spices create a wildly inviting bouquet, as the 2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano opens in the glass. This is undeniably silky and elegant on the palate. Fleshy red fruits are neatly framed by bright acids, as balsam and mocha notes form toward the close. The 2019 leaves a gentle staining of fine tannins to linger, along with a sour citrus hunt that adds contrast. This is simply a pleasure today but has short-term cellaring potential." - Eric Guido (Feb 2023)

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast: 
"The nose is toned, astringent and fruity, with notes of cranberry and hibiscus blending with coconut, vanilla and black cherry. The vanilla and black cherry structure the round, full palate, which finishes with a streak of spice." - DC (Dec 2023)