Region: Toscana/Tuscany
Quality Level in EU/Italian Wine Law: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOC/DOCG
Established: Established as DOC in 1966 and elevated to DOCG in 1980
Primary Grape Varieties: Sangiovese of varying percentages. See the Chianti and Sangiovese page for more information on the grape varietal. The grape in this region is Sangiovese strain that is unique to the region and is called Prugnolo Gentile
Vino Nobile wines requires 70% Sangiovese and a maximum of 30% of other approved, Tuscan red varieties and up to 5% of approved white varieties of the Tuscan region
There is a minimum aging requirement of 2 years with either one year in barrel and 6 months in bottle of 18 months in barrel.
Riserva versions require more aging with a minimum of 3 years, 12 months in barrel and 6 months in bottle.
The best examples of these wines are very complex and improve with age. The wines are a combination of elegant, high quality Chianti Classico with a Brunello-type structure.
Pairs with: Cheese, braised or stewed chicken, game, pasta, pizza, steak or veal
Characteristics: Blackberry, violet, cherry, chocolate, tobacco and vanilla flavors and aromas. These wines are vibrant, fresh and delicious.
Price: $$$
Serve: Room Temperature
Similar to the Brunello di Montalcino wines, Vino Nobile is a luxury wine of Italy that is produced with Sangiovese grapes. Unlike Montalcino, the Montelpuciano area allows blending to soften the wines. Practically speaking, the wines are typically 80-90 percent Sangiovese and often include Caniaolo, Coloring, Mammolo and Merlot as blending partners. The allowance for white grapes is within the local wine law but it is very rare.
The wines are produced with modern and traditional methods, having a significant impact on the resulting wines. The modern techniques include a higher use of Merlot or other international varieties (e.g., Cab Sauv or Syrah) and greater use of new French oak. Traditional winemakers use larger, neutral oak "Botti" and blend with local varieties only.
The town of Montepulciano is an ancient, walled city with Etruscan heritage that is near the border of Umbria. The local wines were well known in Roman times and this area enjoyed a great reputation for centuries. The name is derived from the fact that these wines are the favorites among Italian Kings, Popes and Presidents. Vino Nobile wines were even a favorite of Thomas Jefferson. Quality degraded in the early 20th century until Adamo Fanetti's efforts returned the region to past glory. The DOC was one of the first in Italy and the DOCG was one of the first to be recognized and elevated. The area grew quickly in the 1960s with significant growth in the number of producers.
The wine growing region has several areas that are divided by a valley - the Val di Chiana. The vines cover the slopes around the city and spread out to the surrounding hills. The climate is slightly more continental and cooler than Montalcino and are planted at elevations that range from a few hundred meters to about 600 meters above sea level.
Quality Level in EU/Italian Wine Law: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOC/DOCG
Established: Established as DOC in 1966 and elevated to DOCG in 1980
Primary Grape Varieties: Sangiovese of varying percentages. See the Chianti and Sangiovese page for more information on the grape varietal. The grape in this region is Sangiovese strain that is unique to the region and is called Prugnolo Gentile
Vino Nobile wines requires 70% Sangiovese and a maximum of 30% of other approved, Tuscan red varieties and up to 5% of approved white varieties of the Tuscan region
There is a minimum aging requirement of 2 years with either one year in barrel and 6 months in bottle of 18 months in barrel.
Riserva versions require more aging with a minimum of 3 years, 12 months in barrel and 6 months in bottle.
The best examples of these wines are very complex and improve with age. The wines are a combination of elegant, high quality Chianti Classico with a Brunello-type structure.
Pairs with: Cheese, braised or stewed chicken, game, pasta, pizza, steak or veal
Characteristics: Blackberry, violet, cherry, chocolate, tobacco and vanilla flavors and aromas. These wines are vibrant, fresh and delicious.
Price: $$$
Serve: Room Temperature
Similar to the Brunello di Montalcino wines, Vino Nobile is a luxury wine of Italy that is produced with Sangiovese grapes. Unlike Montalcino, the Montelpuciano area allows blending to soften the wines. Practically speaking, the wines are typically 80-90 percent Sangiovese and often include Caniaolo, Coloring, Mammolo and Merlot as blending partners. The allowance for white grapes is within the local wine law but it is very rare.
The wines are produced with modern and traditional methods, having a significant impact on the resulting wines. The modern techniques include a higher use of Merlot or other international varieties (e.g., Cab Sauv or Syrah) and greater use of new French oak. Traditional winemakers use larger, neutral oak "Botti" and blend with local varieties only.
The town of Montepulciano is an ancient, walled city with Etruscan heritage that is near the border of Umbria. The local wines were well known in Roman times and this area enjoyed a great reputation for centuries. The name is derived from the fact that these wines are the favorites among Italian Kings, Popes and Presidents. Vino Nobile wines were even a favorite of Thomas Jefferson. Quality degraded in the early 20th century until Adamo Fanetti's efforts returned the region to past glory. The DOC was one of the first in Italy and the DOCG was one of the first to be recognized and elevated. The area grew quickly in the 1960s with significant growth in the number of producers.
The wine growing region has several areas that are divided by a valley - the Val di Chiana. The vines cover the slopes around the city and spread out to the surrounding hills. The climate is slightly more continental and cooler than Montalcino and are planted at elevations that range from a few hundred meters to about 600 meters above sea level.
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