1997 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

[wondersofwine]

(continutation of label)
Reserva Grandi (that's as long as the German labels)
also says Nella Tenuta "La Selva" di Cortona
(Cortona is a town--is La Selva a vineyard name? and what is "Nella Tenuta"?)
13% alcohol by volume
Dark purple-black color, opaque. Nose of dark berries, black currants. Flavor exhibits blackberry, and black currants with some cedar/oak notes. Mellow and rich. Some fine particles in the final glass but no heavy sediment. Good with broiled steak and also with English Cheddar. I've held onto this bottle for several years and it was worth the wait.
Additional information on Vino Nobile from About.com website:
Getting down to specifics, the DOCG states that Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is to be made from 60-80% Prugnolo Gentile (a local name for Sangioveto Grosso, the same variety of Sangiovese that produces Brunello), 10-20% Canaiolo Nero, and up to 20% lesser grapes whose use is authorized in the Province of Siena; it cannot include more than 10% white grapes, and the only aromatic grape allowed is Malvasia del Chianti. The wines are to be stored in botti (large oak barrels) according to traditional custom for a minimum of two years, or three for riserve. The minimum alcohol content of the wine is 12.5%....Few producers use white grapes in Vino Nobile these days. The grape variety they do mention is Mammolo, a local grape that contributes to smoothness and floral overtones in the bouquet.

Reading further, classic descriptors for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano seem to be dark cherries and violets.

I see prices for this wine in recent releases at $19.95 to $23.00+ for the regular Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and over $40 or $50 for the Riserva Grandi version.

[wondersofwine]

Foodie, in the below posting what does "Nella Tenuta" mean? Is that the winemaker? Is Avignonesi the company?