A visit to Poliziano 2025

A welcome invitation to arguably the premier wine producer in Montepulciano was eagerly accepted.

The pursuit of excellence in a winery is a long journey with many disappointments along the way, full of long dedicated hours and a thirst for knowledge that is unquenchable.

This would apply perfectly to the many decades of vintages pursued by Federico Carletti, agronomist ’par excellence’ and doyen of all decision making for nearly fifty years at Poliziano. His son Francesco and daughter Maria Stella are passionately continuing in the family’s tradition.

An interesting detail: a native of Montepulciano is called a Poliziano. Angelo Ambrogini 1454 - 1494, may have coined the term and was always referred to as Angelo Poliziano. A local poet and humanist has been chosen as the logo of Poliziano winery.

The modern history of this estate began when Federico Carletti, son of Dino, took over the management of Poliziano, after completing his studies in agriculture. The various estates have grown exponentially since those early days and now cover about 200 hectares. Always respecting the environment, sustainability and traditional viniculture, the main focus of the estate is the pursuit of quality produce. The vineyards are predominately planted with Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile as it is also known), followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Expansion plans for the family business in the nineties saw wineries opening in Maremma and then later in Cortona. A lifetime of dedication by Federico, assisted by none other than Carlo Ferrini, have produced crus of complexity, originality and quaffability, most of which are household names: Le Stanze, Asinone and Le Caggiole.

Other wines produced at Poliziano in Montepulciano:

Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 80% Sangiovese 20% Merlot

Fiori Rossi Rosso di Montepulciano  DOC 100% Sangiovese

Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG  90/95% Sangiovese plus other red grapes.

Ambrae del Poliziano IGT 90% Chardonnay 10% Roussanne

Wines made further afield:

In Violas Cortona 100% Merlot

Lohsa Morellino di Scansano DOCG 85% Sangiovese 15% Ciliegiolo

Mandrone  di Lohsa Maremma Toscana DOC 85% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Petit Verdot

Chianti Colli Senesi Montefollonico DOCG  100% Sangiovese

Wines previously mentioned:

Asinone Nobile di Montepulciano 100% Sangiovese,some vintages 10% Colorino/Canaiolo

Le Stanze del Poliziano IGT 90% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Merlot

Le Caggiole Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 100% Sangiovese

Notwithstanding the exceptional wines mentioned above, I am particularly impressed with Le Caggiole. The production of this cru was revived following a break in the 1980s. Soil characteristics include a high percentage of clay, magnesium and potassium, giving depth and complexity to small grapes with thick skins. After two selection processes 6,500 bottles are produced. The vineyards at 350 masl, have easterly exposure and are planted with 5,000 plants per hectare on tuffaceous rock of marine origin. Fermentation and maceration in truncated conical stainless steel vats lasts for a period 18-22 days, depending on vintage followed by ageing for 16-18 months in 500/600 litre French oak barrels.

My host generously laid out recent vintages of this wine for me to taste and review (I had already sampled the 2019 and 2017).

Tasting Notes

Poliziano

Le Caggiole

Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2018

Intense ruby red in colour with bright amber rim. Concentrated aromatic profile consisting of red blossom florals, medley of cherry marinating in spirit and mellow spice notes. Bing cherry, plum, dewberry, distant liquorice and strawberry with green top. On entry, elegant, inviting, agile and expressive. Poised and polished. The fresh clean mouthfeel is due to the poignant acidity engagement with the rich textural body. Finely grained  tannins, with a shadow of a steel core assist in structure. Layered minerality is evident in the long articulated finish.

Points 96 TW

Poliziano

Le Caggiole Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2016.

Deep intense ruby red in colour with translucent amber rim. Bouquet of violet, lilac and lavender florals, aided by mellow but assertive spice notes, rose hip tea notes, sweet tobacco and distant oaky vanilla. Black berry fruits, dark cherry, mellow humus and light saline nuances. On entry, it just tip toes across the palate, leaving a deep imprint of ripe fresh fruit, the quality of which is exceptional. Tannins are woven but leave a dry dusty shadow, acidity is pitch perfect. Again the unique spice overtones comes into play on the long, broad close. Impressive.

Points 97 TW

Poliziano

Le Caggiole  DOCG 2015

Medium garnet red with amber coloured rim. Aromas of fig, prune and date with hints of nail varnish. Red cherry, raspberry coulis, bitter chocolate, pipe tobacco, mocha and clove. Classic sweet notes appear on the palate, potent, juicy, massive textural resonance. Showing a little wear and tear.

Points 93 TW

Poliziano

Ambrae del Poliziano IGT 2024

Chardonnay 90% Roussanne 10%

Pale straw yellow in colour with light golden undertone. On the nose wet hay, yellow peach, lychee, honeydew melon, yellow apple and grapefruit. On the palate, lively and fresh, light in texture. Medium bodied. Wonderful overtones of essence of citrus. Long and wide on the close.

Points 89 TW

Terre del Poliziano

Lohsa

Morellino di Scansano Maremma Toscana DOC 2023

Cabernet 85% Petit Verdot 15%

Medium ruby red in colour with pink undertones. Aromas of pale rose petal, lilac, violet and dried morello cherry. Redcurrant, sour cherry, dark plum, spearmint and menthol nuances. Medium body. Balanced interaction with tannins and acidity. Medium length on the finish.

Points 88 TW

Poliziano

Fiori Rossi Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 2023

Sangiovese 100%

Medium ruby red in colour with purple undertones. Intense bouquet of red blossom florals, orange peel, pomegranate with secondary florals of violet and lilac. Bing cherry, mocha and plum. On the palate: elegant, poised, fresh and outrageously fragrant. Balanced tannic and acidic encounter. Slightly different direction from what is understood as house style.

Points 91 TW

At last, my first chance to taste Pieve, and what better place!

Poliziano

Pieve Caggiole DOCG 2021

Sangiovese 100%

Medium ruby red in colour. Aromatics of red rose petal, carnation and peony. Red berries, mild spice and blood orange. On the palate, there is so much concentrated energy the wine practically jumps out of the glass! Rainer cherry, dewberry, liquorice, blueberry and a faint undertone of lead pencil minerality. Completely seductive from mid palate, rich textural depth and volume. Polished. Vertical. Showing finesse at every stage. Tannins are totally woven into the wine, leaving fresh juicy acidity to lead the energy charge. Broad and pulsating on the epic finish. Wow !

Points 98 TW

© Tony Wood Italian Wine 2025