Montepulciano

Vino Nobile Montepulciano DOCG is one of the most renowned wines from Tuscany. Located in the Italian province of Siena in southern Tuscany, Montepulciano is a beautiful wine district and a medieval city. Montepulciano is famous for not only the production of great wines but this place is also a major producer of local Tuscan food. You will come across globally appreciated wines with an intense bouquet of plums, cherries, and olives coming from the iconic Tuscan grape - Sangiovese. 

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History of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

The oldest reference to the wine of Montepulciano dates back to 789 a.d. The cleric Arnipert offered the church of San Silvestro a piece of cultivated land with vineyards in the estate of the castle of Policiano. 

Later, in the mid-16th century, cellarman to Pope Paolo III Farnese defined Montepulciano as “as perfect in winter as in summer, never sour or lacking in color, truly a wine fit for a Lord”. Moving from the Middle Ages to the 17th century, poet Francesco Redi also attested the wine tour at Montepulciano.

In the early 20th century, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano stayed in shadow until the first exhibition of typical local wines was held in Siena in 1933, where some prestigious red wines were introduced to the public. Afterward, the first cooperative winery was founded in 1937. 

In 1966 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano became one of the best wines ( together with Barolo) in Italy and was awarded DOC status and later in 1980 this magnificent wine was the first in Italy to get DOCG status.  As a result, some of the established vineyards introduced modern developments to take care of their vines and cellars.

Interested in customizing your Montepulciano wine vacation? Simply send us your preferences here, and our team of experts will tailor the perfect itinerary for you.

Terroir of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Diversity of Soils in this beautiful wine district of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano imprints the distinctive aromas of the wines it produces. Soils in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are rich in the sand in some higher areas of the region, while at lower places there are clayey and sandy. The climate is the Mediterranean, with little rainfall in the summer months.

The climate stabilizes the soft influence of the sea together with the cold streams coming from the Appennines mountains. This climate creates a perfect condition that provides a slow and gradual ripening of the grapes and catches an ideal balance among sugars and acidity. The clay and limestone soil hosts the vine roots and lets them grow down for more than several meters. The soil also provides and feeds them with specific mineralogy that lets the wine have longevity.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine characteristics

Nobile is one of the oldest and famous wines in Tuscany. Very popular among Italian Kings, Popes, and Presidents, Nobile has a huge history as the wine of nobles. It was also the first DOCG wine to appear on the Italian market.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is produced from Sangiovese grape variety, known as Prugnolo gentile amongst locals. This grape variety can hold up to 70% of the blend. However, some producers use only Sangiovese grape without blending. Nobile wine is aged for two years, and one year in oak barrels.

Tasting Notes of Nobile di Montepulciano

If you visit the wineries around Montepulciano, you will see that the Nobile di Montepulciano is a balsamic wine, characterized by earthy and undergrowth notes. You will recognize it for its softness and tannins. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano offers flavors of cherry, plum, strawberry, and dark berries.

Discover some of the best wineries to visit in Montepulciano

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Tour our site to discover what Wineries in Montepulciano have to offer to plan a memorable winery tour.

Places to visit in Montepulciano

3.San Biagio (Montepulciano)

The church of San Biagio was built from 1518 to 1545 by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder. Its open and elegantly proportioned rooms are on a Greek cross plan, with four arms of equal length and a high dome supported on a drum. Of the two campaniles, the one on the right is unfinished. The presbytery has 16th-century frescoes portraying the Death, Assumption, and Coronation of the Virgin believed to be by the Zúccari brothers.

On the reredos of the high altar from the same period are four statues of saints. It now houses a small museum devoted to St. Blaise (San Biagio). The late midday sun turns the church a golden color, a beautiful scene among the trees.

What to pair with Montepulciano wine?

1.Sagne e Fagioli

Sagne e Fagioli is an Italian dish that is so popular in Montepulciano and Abruzzo. This dish is made with beans in tomato sauce and homemade pasta. The noodles are made with flour, while the sauce is usually made with onions, tomatoes, carrots, chili peppers, and olive oil.

If you want, you can add a pancetta or pork rind to the dish. It's recommended to serve sagne e fagioli with a glass of Montepulciano wine.

2.Amatriciana

Amatriciana is a famous sauce from the Sabine Hills northeast of Rome. This dish was created in the 17th century by adding tomatoes to the already famous gricia sauce. Nowadays, they use this sauce with cheese for spaghetti or pasta.

The first recipe for Amatriciana was published in the 1790 cookbook L’Apicio Moderno by a Roman chef. Over time, this classic Italian dish was featured in several movies, from Alberto Sordi’s 1954 film An American in Rome to Ryan Murphy’s Eat Pray Love, in which Julia Roberts eats a portion of spaghetti all’Amatriciana.

Amatriciana is best enjoyed with medium-bodied, smooth Italian reds such as Montepulciano wine.

3.Ribollita

Rabiollita is a famous Tuscan dish that has been refined and passed down through generations. The name means reboiled, referring to the fact that it is consumed on the day after its preparation when it is rewarmed with a dash of oil.

The key ingredients are leftover bread, cannellini beans, and seasonal vegetables such as onions, cabbage, and carrots. It is a regular winter food, and one of its main ingredients (kale) is available only in winter. This traditional soup remains a staple of Tuscan cuisine, and if you want to taste the true flavors of Rabiollita, you should pair it with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine.

Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Montepulciano.