In the south western part of Tuscany you will find the splendid historical town of Montepulciano with its sensational territory. There originates the Vino di Nobile di Montepulciano with its distinctive character and quality.
The Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was born in 1965 and has 230 winegrowers and 76 member bottlers. Notable facts: this area was awarded DOC status in 1966 and was the first denomination to be awarded DOCG status in the whole of Italy in 1980.
The wine production is contained in the territory of Montepulciano, excluding the Valdichiana area. Vineyards are situated between 250 m above sea level and 600 m. The grape ratio requirement is a minimum of 70% Sangiovese, additional red grape varieties make up the remaining 30%.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is permitted for release following 16 months starting at the 1st of January following the harvest. Minimum alcohol strength 11.5%, total acidity 4.5 g/L minimum net dry extract 21 g/L.
The Vino Rosso di Montepulciano cannot be released before the 1st of March of the year following the production of the grapes.
The name Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was invented by Adamo Fanetti. Until 1930, the wine was officially called “Vino Rosso Scelto di Montepulciano” it was Adamo Fanetti who produced Vino Nobile in 1925 and was shown at a prestigious trade show in Siena in 1931. On that historic occasion, none other than Tancredi Biondi Santi stated: “This wine will have a future!”
That prediction has proven to be correct and today 6.9 million bottles of Vino Nobile are produced from 1,300 hectares of vineyards, alongside 2.6 million bottles for Rosso di Montepulciano from 389 hectares.
Sales of Vino Nobile are approximately 70 % exported the remaining 30 % consumed in Italy.
Pieve is a new red wine produced in the Montepulciano area. The first bottles of this new wine will be released in 2025. The rules governing this new offering state a maximum production of 70 quintals per hectare; grapes must come from vines that are at least 15 years of age and must be produced exclusively by the bottling winery. The wine must mature for at least three years, with a minimum of 12 months in wood and 12 months in bottle. The Pieve approval has one other very important governing rule: it must include a minimum of 85% Sangiovese with the remaining 15% coming from native grapes.
My gratitude goes to all the wineries that have placed their trust in my ability to review their wines impartially and objectively. Special thanks to Silvia Loriga Communication and Event Manager of the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, who organised and arranged delivery of the wines for tasting to be delivered to my office in Umbria.
Tasting Notes
Antico Colle
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2020
Medium purple in colour. Deep aromas of dark coloured florals and black berry fruits. Blackcurrant, raisin, dark plum, humus, distant eucalyptus, leather and salty liquorice. Elegant entry, saline infused energy, agile and juicy. Slight citrusy character. Dry mineral notes. Tapers from mid palate to linear close.
Points 90 TW
Avignonesi
Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2020
Sangiovese 100%
Medium garnet red in colour. Delicate floral notes of pale rose petal, violet and gardenia.Bing cherry, dewberry, pomegranate, slate, white pepper, dried sage, liquorice and mellow spice notes. Lightly textured upon entry. Sharp edged acidity surround a mix of berry fruit with ripe cherry. Fresh, vibrant and tangy on mid palate, broadens slowly with a rich lingering close.
Points 91 TW
Boscarelli
Prugnolo
Rosso di Montepulciano DOCG 2023
Deep pink in colour. Aromas of cherry, violet florals and spirit infused liquorice. Red cherry, red currant, essence of watermelon, liquorice, scented spice notes and orange peel. Warm entry. Very delicate and lightly textured, fresh, juicy and agile. Distant Kirsch and vanilla notes to be found on the medium to long finish.
Points 90 TW
Boscarelli
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021
Pale ruby red in colour. Delicate fine floral aromas of violet, hyacinth and gardenia. Dark cherry, rhubarb, plum, pomegranate, liquorice, distant blonde tobacco notes, balsam, and dried sage. Cool entry showing class and finesse. Freshness that gives suppleness. Rounded tannins. A line of minerality and fresh acidity at its core assists the energy. Broad juicy finish.
Points 91+ TW
Boscarelli
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2020
Pale ruby red in colour with pink undertones. Heady bouquet of red rose petal, black currant jam, balsam with cherry marinated in spirit. Rainier cherry, loganberry, blackberry, eucalyptus, orange peel, beach pebble minerality and floral underbrush. Cool entry. Elegant. Light in texture, juicy, youthful. Fine tannins vie with mellow acidity. Slight tension on the mid palate. Bright and translucent. Medium length on the finish.
Points 91 TW
Boscarelli
Sotto Casa
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2020.
Pale ruby red in colour. Concentrated floral bouquet of violet, hyacinth, with distant lavender, assisted by morello cherry, liquorice and blood orange. Plum, red cherry, pomegranate, redcurrant, dark scented spice, sweet tobacco, Kirsch and clove. Smooth entry. Light in texture. Silky, floats on the palate showing restrained energy. Finely grained tannins compete with friendly acidity. Persistent with a lingering finish.
Points 92 TW
Boscarelli
Costa Grande
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2020
Pale ruby red with bright pink undertones. Aromatics of pale pink rose petal, peony, crushed raspberry, blonde tobacco and graphite. Wild cherry, wild strawberry, bitter orange peel, exotic spice including cinnamon and clove, loganberry, white smoke and Mocha. Silky smooth upon entry, showing medium textual death. Succulent and intense. Caressing tannins and zingy acidity. Savoury. Medium length on the close.
Points 93 TW
Cantina del Redi
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021
Medium ruby red in colour with pink undertones. Heady aromas of dark berry fruits, damp forest floor, blue and purple florals and citrus essence. Dark cherry, blackcurrant, blueberry, bitter orange peel, dark spice, liquorice and sweet toasted tobacco with dry floral underbrush. Cool entry, skims across the palate. Very light in texture. Fresh vivid acidity brings the energy. Racy personality. Tapers slightly to a medium finish.
Points 89 TW
Carpineto
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2019
Pale purple red in colour. Rich bouquet of red florals, cassis, liquorice and balsamic notes. Blackcurrant, dark plum, black cherry, dark scented spice, grilled Mediterranean herbs and briny notes. Warm entry, deep and inviting, floats across the palate so agile and juicy. Leaves the palate soaked in rich ripe fruit with a mellow mineral edge. Terrific persistence. Ample and generous. Loiters on the close.
Points 93+ TW
Carpineto
Vigneto Poggio Sant’Enrico
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2015
Intense deep ruby red in colour. Heady aromas of dark fruits, blue and purple petal florals, humus and bitter chocolate. Blackberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, damson and plum with distant cedar notes. Wild and savoury. Huge textual depth and volume. Showing harmony and balance. Fruit quality ‘off the charts’. A distant shadow of crunchy tannins and vivid acidity. The latter still sustains the rich body. A whiff of gunpowder smoke shows itself off mid palate. Long articulated close. Wow! What a ride!
Points 94-96 TW
Contucci
Pietra Rossa
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2019
Pale ruby red in colour with garnet reflections. Aromas of violet and hyacinth florals, Morello cherry, liquorice and sweet scented spice. Redcurrant, red cherry, mint, sweet blonde tobacco, lavender notes, cedar shavings and dark chocolate. Delicate and classy upon entry, showing textual finesse. Plump and juicy yet has a refined presence. Beautifully balanced. Silky tannins encircle fresh fruit. Rich and creamy. Good length on the finish. Impressive.
Points 94 TW
Fassati
Pasiteo
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2020
Medium ruby red in colour with bright pink highlights. Interesting aromas of crushed strawberry with green top, cedar bark, violet florals and pink rose petal. Dark berry fruits, raspberry, salty liquorice, dried Mediterranean herbs, pipe tobacco and orange peel. A smooth entry, light in texture. Saline savouriness. Balance leans towards dry. Additional floral / spice notes on the long close.
Points 92 TW
Fattoria del Cerro
Silineo
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2020
Medium ruby red in colour. Fresh bouquet of candied orange peel, liquorice, violet florals and underbrush with distant mellow spice and leather. Red cherry, redcurrant, dewberry, cedar shavings, vanilla and dark sweet scented spice. Silky entry, showing good weight, medium textual depth with a pleasant progression with fine tannins and mellow acidity. Fresh and juicy. Edgy and youthful. Linear on the finish.
Points 90 TW
Fattoria del Cerro
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2018
Medium garnet red in colour. Rich and intense bouquet showing warm red berry fruit, spice and leather notes with tobacco and floral underbrush. Wild cherry, dewberry, dried Mediterranean herbs notably sage, orange peel, balsamic nuances and distant cigar box. Upon entry, tip toes across the palate, hardly leaving an imprint, apart from a micron of acidity and a soft fruity fibre.
Points 88 TW
Fattoria Del Cerro
Antica Chiusina
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2018
Medium garnet red in colour with amber/pink undertones. Aromas of pink rose petal, blood orange, menthol infused Mediterranean herbs, Kirsch and cedar shavings. Bing cherry, pomegranate, juniper berry, sweet tobacco and dark chocolate. Silky entry. Fresh, agile with a distinct sharp line of acidity fused with metallic minerality. Collectively giving a slight sour note coming off mid palate. Medium length on the close.
Points 89 TW
Fattoria Svetoni
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2020
Pale ruby red in colour with bright pink undertones. At first distinctive reductive notes. Needs plenty of aeration. Aromas of violet, hyacinth and lavender florals, interwoven with dry cherry, cedar notes and mint. Bing cherry, redcurrant, salty liquorice, tobacco, dark spice, orange peel and floral underbrush. Cool entry, juicy and fluid. Youthful with tense tannins and vivid acidity. Savoury. Medium length on the finish.
Points 90 TW
Godilo
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2020
Palest ruby red in colour with bright pink undertones. Aromas of pink rose petal, morello cherry, orange peel and balsam. Dark cherry, redcurrant, liquorice, sweet tobacco, cedar notes, cinnamon, clove and vanilla. Warm entry, showing textual depth, massy and fleshy. Savoury. Touch of alcohol warmth on the finish.
Points 88 TW
Le Bèrne
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021
Medium purple in colour. Aromatics of violet florals, fennel pollen, liquorice and grilled rosemary. Loganberry, white cherry, exotic scented spice, sweet tobacco, leather, orange zest and white smoke. Warm entry. Rich, fresh and inviting. Great weight and energy, pulsating acidity vie with compact and dusty tannins. Persistent. Linear. Broad, juicy articulated finish.
Points 91+ TW
Lunadoro
Pagliareto
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021
Pale and translucent ruby red in colour. Aromas of rose petal, violet and lavender florals. Black cherry, blackcurrant, damson, leather, mellow spice, cedar bark, mint and blood orange. Cool entry, lightly bodied, complex mineral nuances give vigour. Savoury. Juicy. Linear with a long finish.
Points 90 TW
Lunadoro
Quercione
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2020
Heady floral aromatics of red rose petal, bluebell and amber. Bing cherry, raspberry, plum, pomegranate, leather, dark chocolate, grilled herbs, mellow spice and roast meat. Warm entry, rich palate showing breadth of flavour. Creamy and voluptuous. Balanced. Round textures. Tannins and acidity woven together. Linear. Good length on the finish.
Points 92 TW
Luteraia
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2017
Medium garnet red in colour. Deceptively charming aromatics of mellow scented spice, orange peel, nutmeg, incense and liquorice. Redcurrant, plum, red cherry, cedar bark, menthol and dried herbs. Silky entry, citrusy in character with layered minerality. Structured. Savoury. Polished with articulated long close.
Points 93 TW
Luteraia
Vino Noble di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2015
Pale garnet red in colour. Warm heady aromas of rose petal, spicy scent and cherry.
Plum, dark cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, cedar, Kirsch and oaky vanilla.
Cool entry, graceful and subtle. Showing precision and balance. Fully integrated tannins. Acidity still assisting with energy and linearity. All things in the correct place. Loiters on the close.
Points 94 TW
Manvi
Arya
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021
Bright medium purple in colour. Engaging bouquet of red florals, red berry fruit, orange zest and distant balsamic nuances. Blackberry, dark cherry, cranberry, liquorice, damp forest floor, mint and grilled Mediterranean herbs. Warm silky entry, just coats the palate, with a vivid line of minerality. Juicy. Expressive. Linear. Leaves a fresh mouthfeel after a long finish.
Points 92 TW
Manvi
Ojas
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2020
Pale ruby red in colour with pink undertones. Aromas of pink rose petal, hyacinth and gardenia. Bing cherry, dewberry, liquorice, graphite, cedar bark, pomegranate, orange peel and walnut. Warm silky entry. Savoury and earthy. Agile and sumptuous. Berry character. Broad, long juicy finish.
Points 92 TW
Montemercurio
Messaggero
Nobile di Montepulciano 2019
Translucent ruby red in colour. Subdued aromas of violet, Iris and lavender florals. Red cherry, plum, raspberry, menthol infused Mediterranean herbs, dark scented spice notes, liquorice, eucalyptus and worn leather. Elegant body. Agile with great length. Close knit tannins with zesty acidity. Iron ore minerality with black tea nuances following mid palate to the close.
Points 91 TW
Palazzo Vecchio
Maestro
Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2020
Very pale ruby red in colour. Aromas of ginger, fresh herbs, tee tree oil, sandalwood and distant incense. Blackcurrant, blueberry, plum, liquorice and floral underbrush. Cool entry, lightly textured, lucid and racy. Stringent acidity and rounded tannins. Seamless and unwavering.
Points 91 TW
Poliziano
Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021
Medium ruby red in colour with purple highlights. Aromatics of violet, hyacinth and and distant lavender. Dark red cherry, plum, blackcurrant and boysenberry, toasted almond, blonde tobacco, oaky vanilla, mellow spice with a whiff of white smoke. Silky smooth warm entry, soft curves, rich, agile and juicy. Tight solid core of salty acidity, that drives the energy. Compact fine tannins. Linear. Persistent with a long finish.
Points 92 TW
Poliziano
Asinone
Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021
Bright ruby red in colour. Aromas of violet, cherry blossom, berries and metallic earth notes. Wild red berry, plum, loganberry, salty liquorice and cedar bark. Clove and cinnamon notes appear then disappear following mid palate. Ultra fine tannins vie with fresh acidity, the later playing the senior roll. Complex. A degree under full bodied. Showing textural depth. Still youthful and primary. Mineral nuances give vigour. Articulated juicy close.
Points 94+ TW
Poliziano
Le Caggiole
Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2019
Intense ruby red in colour. Refined bouquet with distinct multi levels including: wild cherry and strawberry, cedar shavings, dried Mediterranean herbs, tingling spice and white smoke. Seduces the imbiber immediately with its grace, poise and elegance. Has a profound precise nature.Velvety tannins with a hint of steel, poignant acidity, fruit flavours in bold print consisting of, dark red cherry, dewberry, plum and orange peel zest interwoven with dried sage and rosemary. Saline infused energy. Complex minerality. A beguiling act of balance. A wine that has a lot to tell in its challenge with time.
Points 95+ TW
Talosa
Albereto
Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021
Very pale ruby red in colour. Aromatics of red rose petal, blackberry, liquorice and balsam. Blueberry, damson, blackcurrant, blood orange, menthol infused herbs. Upon entry, acidity that broadswords its way through the mid palate leaving an austere and non forgiving finish.
Points 85 TW
Tenuta Trerose
Vigna Santa Caterina
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021
Translucent ruby red in colour with pink undertones. Aromatics of pale rose petal, sweet tobacco, Kirsch and cedar notes. Bing cherry, blackberry, salty liquorice, dark chocolate and espresso notes. Fresh and youthful on entry, juicy and primary. Mid weight. Layered. Persistent and balanced. Needs bottle age to flush out a few more nuances. Articulated close.
Points 91-93 TW
Valdipiatta
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021
Medium ruby red in colour. Lifted aromatics of violet, Iris and lavender florals with underbrush and essence of citrus. Bing cherry, pomegranate, plum, sweet tobacco, dark spice including cinnamon and clove, eucalyptus, liquorice and distant cedar notes. Silky on entry. Elegant body. Broad, youthful and primary. Layered, complex minerality. Showing pine needles and soy on the finish. Interesting.
Points 91-93 TW
Valdipiatta
Vigna D’Alfieno
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021
Deep ruby red in colour. Elegant bouquet of rose petal, amber and violet florals. Rainier cherry, cedar shavings, pipe tobacco, white smoke, damp forest floor and vanilla. Smooth and lightly textured upon entry. Finely sculpted body. Showing youthful characteristics. Fine tannins vie with fresh mellow acidity. The palate reflects the bouquet.
Points 92-94 TW
Valdipiatta
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2018
Medium ruby red in colour with garnet undertones. Refined bouquet of rose petal florals with violet, gardenia and lavender. Dark cherry, plum, pomegranate, orange peel, sweet spice, new leather and cedar notes. Silky entry, lightly textured, graceful and poised. Restrained palate. Mid weight. Beautifully balanced with a bright, savoury long conclusion.
Points 93+ TW
Villa S.Anna
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2019 (Vegan)
Pale ruby red in colour. Refined aromas of pale pink rose petal, gardenia and bluebell. Bing cherry, orange peel, raspberry, leather, liquorice and blonde tobacco.
Lightly textured on entry, bright and slightly exotic. Polished with a long articulated finish.
Points 92 TW
© Tony Wood Italian Wine 2024
Thankyou Tony for these useful views from a wine appreciator who frequents the area of production since the 80’s…
Great review thanks Tony
I think the vino nobile is under rated by some and the best growers should be congratulated on striving to improve their product and try new things
I look forward to trying the Pieve in 2025