Sangiovese Par Excellence
2018 Bindella 'I Quadri' Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
Gambero Rosso's Vini d’Italia is an annual book publication considered to be the industry gold standard for rating and reviewing Italian wines and wineries. Now in its 35th edition and printed in five languages, this dense compendium is filled with comprehensive information about wineries and detailed descriptions of their most significant labels.
The highest designation in this prestigious wine guide is known as ‘Tre Bicchieri’ or three glasses. It cannot be overstated what a wine being awarded this status means to a winery, as it is achieved only after an extremely rigorous blind tasting process conducted by numerous panels of judges (over 60 in total), who strive to evaluate each wine through a consistent and impartial framework over a period of several months. Only 2% of the 25,000+ wines tasted each year are awarded ‘Tre Bicchieri’.
In the 2018 vintage, just five Vino Nobile di Montepulciano qualified as 'Tre Bicchieri', and we are thrilled to present one of them today — Bindella’s Nobile ‘I Quadri’. Most impressively, 6 of the last 7 releases of 'I Quadri' have been awarded 'Tre Bicchieri'. As reviewed by Gambero Rosso, “2018 gave rise to a very memorable ‘I Quadri’. Red berries, licorice and slightly smoky notes characterise the nose, while in the mouth a well-calibrated gustatory development serves as a counterpoint – fleshy, fragrant texture and sweet tannins give way to a vibrant, licorice finish.”
The Restaurant Pendolino is proud to have a longstanding relationship with Bindella Tenuta Vallocaia. The winery has established itself as a true benchmark in terms of quality and regional style, growing steadily since Swiss founder Rudi Bindella first laid eyes on the original site in 1983. Completion in the last few years of a state-of-the-art winery now offers one of the most beautiful aspects in all of Tuscany, overlooking some of the 54 acres now under vine. Bindella was also one of the first area wineries to be certified organic.
Additionally, Bindella's 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and 2018 & 2019 ‘Fossolupaio’ Rosso di Montepulciano - were awarded 'Due Bicchieri' (two glasses) by Gambero Rosso, denoting very good to excellent in their respective categories, with the Vino Nobile also proceeding to the final round for 'Tre Bicchieri'.
Made from 100% Sangiovese, 'I Quadri' evokes blackberries, spicy and balsamic notes and is fruity and full-bodied with intense tannins. A perfect match for red meats, roasts, game and mature cheeses.