April 2007 - Montepulciano, Italy - Vino Nobile Tasting

On our second day in south Tuscany, after our amazing hot-air balloon ride over the countryside and a delicious 3-course lunch prepared by Giancarlo back at the farm, we headed to Sanguinetto I & II (the first woman-owned vineyard in Tuscany) for a taste of the renowned Vino Nobile.

We loved the deep green colors of the vineyards and rolling hills.

We were also able to see farmland in preparation for next year's crops.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Baldo - the attack-guard goose. He chased us all around the farm. He squawked, Casandra screamed, and I ran for the camera and took pictures.

This farm was full of cute animals. Here are some of our favorites:

This kitty just loved to have his picture taken.

This rooster was the proud leader of a group of about 10 hens and he did not let us get near them.

This sweet kitty just wanted to be pet. This might be the friendliest cat ever.

This well-trained dog stood in the doorway and politely asked for food while we sampled the wine and snacked on some italian meats (our favorite was the venison sausage) and cheeses.

This gorgeous cat had been abandoned near the farm and was still deciding whether to make Sanguinetto his home.

We even liked Baldo once we got to know him.

The Vino Nobile is made in the traditional way without blending other types of wines as is commonly done to achieve a darker red color and fuller body flavor. The vineyard also produces a Rosso di Montepulciano and a reserve version of the Vino Nobile.

We loved them all and bought bottles of the 2004 Vino Nobile and 2005 Rosso. We're looking forward to drinking them with fellow winos when we come home.