Le Bèrne: red wines from Tuscan tradition

insieme1-webPodere Le Bèrne, the farm owned by Natalini family at Montepulciano, in the province of Siena, since the early Sixties has produced valuable structured red wines, which preserve and enhance the original Tuscan winemaking tradition. The Company spreads for about 20 hectares in the land of Cervognano. It cultivates 11 hectares of vineyards, located on gentle hills at an altitude of 350 m above sea level. The most important vine is ‘Sangiovese’, which at Montepulciano is called ‘Prugnolo Gentile’. It is the basic element of both DOCG ‘Vino Nobile di Montepulciano’ wine and DOC ‘Rosso di Montepulciano’ wine. Sangiovese wine is accompanied by such other varieties as ‘Colorino’ and ‘Mammolo’, typical of the same area and important, too, for the production of the ‘Vino Nobile’.

Rosso and Nobile di Montepulciano wines

About 45,000 bottles are produced every year by Podere Le Bèrne. They are considered an excellence for both  quality and history they represent: the DOCG Nobile of Montepulciano is produced in 20 thousand bottles, the DOC Rosso di Montepulciano in 19 thousand units, and the DOCG Nobile di Montepulciano reserve in 4500 bottles. These three wines are among the most popular abroad, too.

Foto RossoThe DOC Rosso di Montepulciano is produced from time immemorial at Montepulciano: the same grapes for the Vino Nobile are used, but it distinguishes itself for its youth. It is characterized by a ruby red colour tending to purple, intensely fruity and vinous, balanced, persistent and a slightly tannic scent. It is a wine for any course of a meal.

Foto NobileThe tradition of the Vino Nobile is secular, too. Today it is considered one of the most prestigious Italian red wines. It is characterized by a ruby red colour and a good concentration. Its flavour is intense, with clear fruity notes and hints of berry, cherry, and vanilla. Its taste is full and round, persistent, with a good tannic component. It is recommended for roasted red and white meats and cheeses, among which the sheep’s milk cheese Pecorino di Pienza emerges.

The reserve version of the Vino Nobile is the top wine produced by Podere Le Bèrne and it is better suited to a long aging. It is characterized by an intense ruby red colour and a deep, wide aroma, with hints of ripe fruit and spiced notes. The flavour of Riserva is intense, balanced, persistent and fine, with great body and structure. It goes very well with roasted red meats, game, and mature cheeses.

To these three great classics wines, other wines are produced: the DOC ‘Vin Santo di Montepulciano’, a white wine, and the Tuscan IGT red wine ‘Affronto’, produced from the processing of ‘Colorino’ and ‘Mammolo’ wines.

Elegant wines

Wines by Le Bèrne are purchased by importers who resell them to wine bars and restaurants, and, in some cases, directly to private people. Today they are exported to many Countries around the world, including Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, France, England, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Spain, USA, Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong. The owner, Andrea Natalini, proudly explains: «Our wines distinguish our land and are characterized by elegance, softness of tannins, and easy drinkability. Therefore, they are suitable for many occasions. Their protection is entrusted to the producers association ‘Consorzio del Vino Nobile’, which also supports us in the promotion by organizing different events, especially abroad. For the future we hope to penetrate such new markets as Brazil, China and Eastern Europe, and in any case to enter all those Countries where a  culture of good wine is establishing».

Andrea and Laura Natalini

Andrea and Laura Natalini

A fruity oil
Foto OlioLe Bèrne produces a small, but excellent amount of extra virgin olive oil, prepared by using the traditional varieties of Tuscan olives ‘Leccino’, ‘Frantoio’ and ‘Moraiolo’, hand harvested in November and sent to the mill within the next day, in order  to ensure the immediate pressing and cold extraction. The nectar that is obtained is clear, characterized by a deep green colour, a fruity aroma, and a balanced taste in its spicy tones, intense and persistent. The extra virgin olive oil ‘Le Bèrne’ is ideal as topping for fresh salads and with such first courses as the Tuscan ‘Ribollita’, or on grilled red meats.

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