Discover Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a renowned red wine from Tuscany, Italy, offers wine enthusiasts a unique tasting experience. This guide will help you explore the charming town of Montepulciano and its surrounding vineyards, where this prestigious wine is produced.
Towns and Villages
Montepulciano is the main town associated with Vino Nobile production. Perched on a limestone ridge, it offers stunning views of the Tuscan countryside.
- Montepulciano: Medieval architecture, Renaissance palaces, and wine cellars
- Pienza: UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Renaissance architecture
- San Quirico d’Orcia: Charming village with beautiful gardens and thermal baths
Wine Producers
Visit these top Vino Nobile di Montepulciano producers for tastings and tours:
- Avignonesi: Organic and biodynamic wines, guided tours available
- Poliziano: Family-run winery with a focus on sustainable practices
- Boscarelli: Small, high-quality producer with personalized tastings
- Salcheto: Innovative winery known for its eco-friendly approach
Accommodations
Choose from a range of accommodations to suit your preferences and budget:
- Luxury: Il Falconiere Resort & Spa – Relais & Châteaux property with vineyard views
- Mid-range: Albergo Il Marzocco – Historic hotel in the heart of Montepulciano
- Budget: Ostello Comunale di Montepulciano – Affordable option in a 15th-century building
- Agriturismo: Podere Fontecastello – Farm stay with wine tasting experiences
Dining
Savor local cuisine paired with Vino Nobile at these recommended restaurants:
- La Grotta: Upscale dining in a romantic cave setting
- Osteria Acquacheta: Traditional Tuscan fare in a rustic atmosphere
- La Taverna di Mercato: Local specialties with a focus on seasonal ingredients
- Ristorante La Porta: Panoramic views and excellent wine list in nearby Monticchiello
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore these wine-focused establishments to taste and purchase local vintages:
- Enoteca La Fortezza: Historic wine shop in Montepulciano’s fortress with an extensive selection
- Enoteca Gattavecchi: Family-run wine bar offering tastings in ancient Etruscan tombs
- Caffè Poliziano: Art Nouveau café with a curated wine list and panoramic terrace
- De’ Ricci: Wine bar and shop featuring local producers and regional specialties
Other Shops
Discover local crafts and gourmet products in these unique stores:
- Bottega del Rame: Traditional copper workshop creating handmade cookware
- Busatti: Family-owned textile shop offering high-quality linens and fabrics
- La Bottega del Nobile: Gourmet shop specializing in local wines, cheeses, and cured meats
- Dolceria del Corso: Artisanal pastry shop known for traditional Tuscan sweets
Attractions
Explore these must-see sights between wine tastings:
- Palazzo Comunale: Climb the tower for panoramic views of Montepulciano and beyond
- Tempio di San Biagio: Renaissance church showcasing the town’s architectural beauty
- Cantina del Redi: Historic underground cellars offering guided tours and tastings
- Val d’Orcia: UNESCO World Heritage landscape featuring rolling hills and cypress trees
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-focused and cultural events:
- Vino Nobile Wine Week (February): Showcases new vintage releases with tastings and events
- Bravio delle Botti (August): Traditional barrel race through Montepulciano’s streets
- Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte (July): Music and art festival featuring performances throughout town
- Calici di Stelle (August): Wine tasting event held under the stars in historic locations
Appellations
Understand the wine classifications of the region:
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG: The flagship wine, made primarily from Sangiovese grapes
- Rosso di Montepulciano DOC: Often called the “baby Nobile,” a younger, fresher style
- Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC: Sweet dessert wine made from dried grapes
- Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG: Encompasses wines from the broader Siena hills area
Grape Varieties
Sangiovese reigns supreme in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This versatile grape, known locally as Prugnolo Gentile, forms the backbone of the region’s wines.
Other permitted varieties include:
- Canaiolo Nero
- Mammolo
- Colorino
International varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are also allowed in small quantities.
Main Wine Styles
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG is the flagship wine of the region. It must contain at least 70% Sangiovese and age for a minimum of 24 months.
Other styles include:
- Rosso di Montepulciano DOC: A fresher, earlier-drinking wine
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva: Aged for at least 36 months
- Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC: A sweet dessert wine
Food Specialties
The region’s cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Local specialties include:
- Pici: Hand-rolled pasta served with various sauces
- Pecorino di Pienza: A renowned sheep’s milk cheese
- Cinta Senese: Prized local pork
Try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick T-bone steak, with a glass of Vino Nobile.
Drives & Walks
Explore the stunning Tuscan landscape on these routes:
- Val d’Orcia Drive: A scenic road trip through rolling hills and cypress-lined lanes
- Montepulciano City Walls Walk: A 4km path offering panoramic views of the countryside
For wine lovers, the Strada del Vino Nobile connects several wineries and picturesque villages.
Itineraries
Weekend Wine Escape:
- Day 1: Explore Montepulciano’s historic center and visit 2-3 wineries
- Day 2: Take a cooking class and enjoy a leisurely lunch in Pienza
Week-long Tuscan Adventure:
- Days 1-2: Montepulciano and its wineries
- Days 3-4: Explore Pienza and the Val d’Orcia
- Days 5-6: Visit Montalcino and compare Brunello wines
- Day 7: Relax at a local agriturismo or thermal spa
Getting There & Around
The nearest airports to Montepulciano are:
- Florence Airport (FLR): 120 km away
- Pisa International Airport (PSA): 180 km away
Renting a car is the best way to explore the region. Many wineries are located in rural areas with limited public transportation.
Public Transportation
Trains connect major cities, but buses are more common for reaching smaller towns. The Tiemme bus company operates services in the area.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer ideal weather for wine tasting and outdoor activities.
Key events to plan around:
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano en primeur: February
- Bravio delle Botti: Last Sunday of August
- Grape harvest: September-October
Sustainability Efforts
Many wineries in Montepulciano are adopting eco-friendly practices:
- Organic farming: Look for “biologico” certification
- Solar power: Reducing carbon footprint in wine production
- Water conservation: Implementing drip irrigation systems
Support sustainable tourism by choosing eco-certified accommodations and joining guided walks instead of driving.
Language Tips
Learning a few Italian wine terms can enhance your tasting experience:
- Cantina: Winery
- Degustazione: Wine tasting
- Salute: Cheers
- Rosso: Red wine
- Bianco: White wine
Most wineries offer tours in English, but calling ahead to confirm is advisable.
Further Resources
For more information on Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the region:
- Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Official consortium website
- Visit Tuscany – Montepulciano: Tourist information
- Strada del Vino Nobile: Wine road itineraries
Download the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano app for offline maps and winery information.
