Montecucco Wine Region

The Montecucco wine region is known around the world for its Sangiovese-based red wines, and its Sangiovese is said to be unlike any other. Using traditional crops and methods, the region creates wines that are unrivaled. The Montecucco wine region is generally regarded as a hidden treasure in the world of wine, and it is one of Italy's newest wine districts, having only been established in 1998. The Montecucco region is one of the few in Italy where organic vine cultivation accounts for two-thirds of total vineyards. If you want to avoid the crowds and experience the best of Tuscany's southwest corner, a visit to the Montecucco wine region is ideal.

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Where is the Montecucco wine region?

The Montecucco wine region is in the warm southern corner of Tuscany, in central Italy, situated between two well-known Sangiovese-based wine regions: Morellino di Scansano to the south and Brunello di Montalcino to the northeast. Cinigiano, Civitella Paganico, Campagnatico, Castel del Piano, Roccalbenga, Arcidosso, and Seggiano are among the communes in the Grosseto province that make up the Montecucco wine area. The territory is part of the Maremma DOC and is located further inland in the swampy coastal area. Monte Amiata, Italy's second-highest volcano, is located in the region. Around 800 hectares of vineyard are supported by 70 dedicated winemakers.

History of the Montecucco wine region

Winemaking in the Montecucco wine region dates back centuries and was started by the Romans, who took it from the Etruscans. The Romans used the lava soil and the particular temperature of the region to grow grapes. Despite the fact that the territory is relatively large, viticulture is practiced alongside other agricultural goods. It is also claimed that the wine's quality was affected by other notable wine districts surrounding Montecucco, which explains why great wines are so common in the region. The region's winemaking history extends back to the 8th century, but it only obtained DOC status in 1998.

The terroir and geography of the Montecucco wine region

Because of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and Monte Amiata to the east and northeast, the environment of the Montecucco wine region is both warm and humid, allowing grapes to be completely ripe and healthy. Monte Amiata, an extinct volcano rising 1700 meters above sea level, has a considerable impact on the region's climate and viticulture. Towards the coast, the soil is largely cracked sandstone, but near the extinct volcano, the soil is volcanic. Vines are cultivated from 50 meters above sea level to 500 meters on the Monte Amiata slopes. With approximately seven tons of grapes per hectare, the Montecucco wine region is one of Italy's lowest-yielding wine regions. Rainfall is ideal, and diurnal temperature helps grapes ripen evenly. Almost two-thirds of the grapes grown in the region are organic.

Popular grape varieties from the Montecucco wine region

There are two major native grape varieties that thrive in the region - Sangiovese for the red and Vermentino for the white wines. The region also produces several international grapes which are well-regulated so that they don’t make up the majority of the blend. Grape varieties cultivated in the region are as follows:

Red Varietals: Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. 

White varietals: Grechetto Blanc, Malvasia, Trebbiano , Vermentino, and Chardonnay.

Food to pair with Montecucco wine 

Beef ragu pasta

This dish is a traditional Italian family dish. It is a recipe passed down from generation to generation and is one of Italy's most popular dishes. Beef, tomatoes, onions, carrots, and celery are used to make the beef ragu pasta. To achieve the desired flavor, the sauce is typically simmered for several hours. This recipe frequently begins with browned beef in olive oil on the stovetop before being placed aside to simmer gently with veggies, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Slow simmering allows the flavors to mix while also reducing the liquid level of the sauce, making it thicker and more flavorful. Ragu is a very popular dish in Italian cuisine. It is also a traditional dish in the north-eastern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and it is part of their cultural heritage.

Succulent meatballs

Succulent meatballs are a delicious and nutritious snack. They are made from ground beef and can be eaten raw, cooked or frozen. Succulent meatballs are a dish that is popular in Sweden. They are made of ground beef, bread crumbs, onion and milk. The meatballs are then boiled in water for about 15 minutes or until they float to the surface. The meatballs are then served with brown sauce and lingonberry jam. Succulent meatballs can be eaten as a main dish or as a side dish with potatoes and pickled cucumbers. Pair it with the wines from Montecucco wine region. 

Roasted short ribs

The short rib is a beef cut taken from the cow's breast or lower chest. It is a rough and sinewy cut that takes long, slow cooking to tenderize. Short ribs are typically braised, roasted, or grilled. Braising involves browning the meat on both sides before placing it in a pot with liquid, such as stock or wine, and cooking it for many hours. Browning the meat in an oven before completing it in a hot oven for roughly 45 minutes is how roasting is done. Barbecuing entails cooking over low heat from both below and above, with a layer of fat in between to prevent drying out. The meal of roasted short ribs has been around for millennia. It is well-known in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The dish is often served with vegetables and potatoes as a main meal.

Places to visit in the Montecucco wine region

Pazzagli Art Park

The Parco d'Arte Enzo Pazzagli, located in the southern part of Florence, is a large garden with approximately 200 sculptures and installations by the eponymous artists. The park is located in Sant'Andrea di Rovezzano, between the Arno River and the railway that connects to the city of Rome. There are also many Cow Parade plastic cows and a living sculpture of 300 cypresses. Other painters represented in the park are Sauro Cavallini and Marcello Guasti.

Castle of Sammezzano

Sammezzano Castle is a Moorish Revival architectural style castle in an Italian palazzo in Leccio, Tuscany. The castle is only 45 minutes from Florence and previously belonged to one of the most important Florentine aristocratic families. Although the palazzo was built in 1605, Ferdinando did not build the castle until the mid-nineteenth century. During the mid-twentieth century, the palazzo was a luxury hotel that was eventually closed. It has 365 rooms, each with its own Moorish décor.

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Frequently asked questions about Montecucco