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Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is one of several classic Tuscan red wines based on the Sangiovese grape variety. It comes from the vineyards that surround Montepulciano, a picturesque hill town 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of Siena, southeastern Tuscany.
The roots of viticulture and enology are an integral part of the territory, culture, history, economy and local traditions of Montepulciano.
Historically, the wine produced in this area has a noble and aristocratic connotation, with productions destined not for self-consumption but trade, as evidenced by many sales deeds recorded from 789 onwards. With a document dated 1350, the first clauses for the trade and export of Montepulciano wine were established.
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG was the first wine ever in Italy to have affixed the replacement mark of the state band to the bottle closure systems as an anti-sophistication system that certifies the authenticity of the product to guarantee its origin.
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG obtained the recognition of the Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC) on July 12, 1966, then DOCG on July 1, 1980.
As for its production: the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG must undergo an ageing period of at least two years, at least one in wooden containers. In comparison, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG must be subjected to an ageing period of at least three years, of which min. 1 year in wooden containers and 6 months in the bottle.
The Vino Nobile area falls entirely within the municipality of Montepulciano, in the province of Siena.
The whole area used for the production of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is included in the hilly area from 250 to 600 meters above sea level.
The denomination of origin Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG is reserved for red and red reserve wines, obtained from Sangiovese grapes (belonging mainly to the biotype known as Prugnolo gentile) for at least 70% and max. 30% of black and white grape varieties (max. 5%) excluding aromatic grape varieties except for Malvasia Bianca Lunga and authorized grapes from the Tuscany region.
Among the complementary vines, several black grape varieties have been identified over time, both native (Canaiolo Nero & Mammolo) and international, capable of enhancing the territory’s potential and of the base vine.
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG has an intense ruby red colour, tending to become more garnet with age. It has an intense and sometimes ethereal aroma, with characteristic fruity notes of black cherry, floral violet and spicy. On the palate, it is very structured, balanced and elegant, with a rather marked tannicity that contributes to the good longevity of the wine.
These wines pair well with main courses such as Florentine steak, salami, sausage, finocchiona, braised red meat, liver, grilled or roasted lamb, “pici with Cinta Senese” a typical Tuscan pasta and roasted mushrooms with olive oil.
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