Montepulciano: of each wine is King

Montepulciano is a village in the province of Siena, in Tuscany, between the Valdichiana and the Val d'Orcia.

Here lived Francesco Redi, a poet and medieval naturalist of the seventeenth century, who wrote about the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: "Montepulciano of each wine is King." This red wine, with its decisive character, owes its inimitable organic characteristics to the limited area where it is produced. The vines used are a minimum of 70% Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero and up to a maximum of 20% of other vine varieties. You can choose between Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montepulciano: both are excellent, and it is hard to pick a favourite.

Territory and production

Where Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is born

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is an absolutely elite production. It comes only from grapes grown in the municipality of Montepulciano, in the heart of Siena's hills, between Val di Chiana and Val d'Orcia, never above 580 metres above sea level. The territory's conformation and Tuscany's microclimate give this wine its unique organoleptic qualities. The vines used are Sangiovese — known here as Prugnolo Gentile — plus a small share of Canaiolo Nero, which never exceeds 20% of the total; a small quantity of other Tuscan grapes from the same area can also be added. This noble wine earned its Denomination of Protection in 1980 and can only be produced in this restricted area of Tuscany. Montepulciano must not be confused with Montalcino: the two territories differ profoundly in soil and climate, with equally different names under the production rules. It is precisely the territory that gives Vino Nobile di Montepulciano its unique, powerful identity, in all its shades.

Tasting notes

Colour, nose and palate

In the glass, the colour is a brilliant, characteristic ruby red, turning garnet red as the wine ages. On the nose it is elegant and intense, with notes of red fruit, prunes, flowers and tobacco; the bouquet also carries cherries, violets and earthy notes. On the palate, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is balanced and ample, with a persistent aroma and hints of wood from ageing in cask.

Wine Maker Notes by Pierluigi Giachi, Tenuta Torciano

The Torciano interpretation

Nobile di Montepulciano Torciano, fruit of the best Prugnolo vineyard, is full-bodied, complex and elegant, with intense, refined fragrances of ripe fruit and hints of violets. Fine, silky tannins lead into a long, rich finish, with tertiary notes of dried fruit, prune, tar and smoke: an elegant, polished expression with plenty of Sangiovese typicity, where wet earth and moist tobacco also play their part. The result is a structured, long-lived wine with intense aromas, faithful to its Tuscan origins and to the ancient link between earth, man and culture. The blend is 85% Prugnolo Gentile, 15% Colorino, Canaiolo and Merlot.

At the table

What to pair it with

With its high alcohol content, full body and elegance, this wine pairs beautifully with equally full-bodied, structured dishes: red meats, wild boar and first courses with meat sauces or ragù, such as our "Mamma" lasagna. It is just as perfect with grilled meat, stew, lamb or mushroom fillet, and exceptional with tasty cheeses and spicy desserts. You'll find more ideas in the Torciano cookbook.