The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: story of an excellence

The story of a product tied to its territory

The connection between history and territory in Montepulciano is perfectly summarized in the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, a product that has represented this borgo outside its space and through time. Every year, the Anteprima del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano precisely explain this link between wine and territory through the flavors and passion of the producers, which has existed for millennia.

We are talking about a wine of ancient Etruscan origins, which already tens of centuries in the past have exploited the generosity and goodness of these lands to produce excellent wines, as evidenced by some archaeological finds. Also the Roman historian Livio reported that the Gauls came in the lands of Etruria attracted by the wine of Valdichiana Senese hills. The Nobile continued to make itself known over the centuries thanks to its wine production of absolute excellence. As proof of its quality, we can think of Sante Lancerio, famous cellar man of Pope Paul III, who often defined this product as “wine for the Lords”. The history of this wine is inextricably connected to the territory of Montepulciano, among the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Excellence and leadership

The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has established itself for decades, in Italy and abroad, among the most appreciated and renowned wine products. Its success is due to the generous land of Valdichiana Senese, in the south-east land of Tuscany. Precisely, this wine is grown and processed only in the municipality of Montepulciano, where the production of Vino Nobile has considerably increased over the past decades. The Tuscan borgo is therefore certainly the first quality factor of Vino Nobile. Furthermore, the Nobile was, in 1980, the first wine to have received the DOCG designation, the highest classification for products in Italy. A well-deserved consecration for one of the most appreciated wine products at international level. Whenever we talk about Vino Nobile we have in mind all its history and its "goodness", but a question often arises to the less experienced: why is it called Nobile (Noble)?

The discussion is still ongoing. One of the most accredited hypotheses claims that this was a wine for the nobles, namely for Tuscan aristocracy; a second hypothesis instead states that the name derives from the producers of this wine, precisely some nobles of Montepulciano who have always considered this activity extremely important for the territory. Whatever the origin of this nobility, we can confirm without a doubt that the quality of Vino Nobile justifies its name. For those who want to learn more about the history of this exceptional product, on the Consorzio del Vino Nobile web page there are stories, anecdotes and regulations of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG.

The characteristics of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

As we have already mentioned, the Vino Nobile can be produced only and exclusively in the municipality of Montepulciano, in Tuscany. The disciplinary establishes a terroir of 165 square km extending over a hilly land, located at an altitude ranging from 250 to 605 meters above sea level. In this way, a unique and inimitable product is guaranteed, thanks to the microclimate of the territory and its morphological characteristics. As regards the blend itself, the disciplinary has a very clear and defined regulation: the Sangiovese grapes, locally called Prugnolo Gentile, must make up at least 70% of the wine, while the remaining 30% involves the use of grape varieties with red berries suitable for cultivation in Tuscany. The yield of this product is 80 quintals per hectare.

The bond with the Tuscan territory is therefore impossible to dissolve, as also demonstrated by the refining procedures, i.e. vinification and aging, which must be carried out only and exclusively in Montepulciano. The aging process for a bottle of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano covers a minimum period of two years starting from January 1st, following the harvest; it takes three years if it is a Riserva. There are various ways to manage the process, which are different for any producers.

In order to better appreciate this fantastic wine there is an amazing event for wine lovers, that is the Anteprima del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which will be held in the Fortress of Montepulciano from 26th to 28th March 2022. This it is the perfect opportunity to get to know the quality of the latest Nobile production before anyone else. The absolute protagonist of this edition is the 2019 vintage and the Riserva of 2018. In addition, there are various proposals that highlight the history and flavor of the Vino Nobile and its territory, the borgo of Montepulciano in Tuscany. These experiences are suitable for anyone who wants to savor the territory immersed in a good glass of wine.

You can plan your experience in the world of Vino Nobile thanks to ad hoc experiences for a gourmet weekend or complete relaxation one.

If you want more information on the event, you can directly visit the Anteprima del Vino Nobile website.