Category: Filippo Magnani

The 34th edition of Benvenuto Brunello: Italy’s premier wine preview showcases a vintage of elegance and restraint

Montalcino opened its historic cellars and welcomed the world once again for the 34th edition of Benvenuto Brunello, held November 20–24 at the Chiostro di Sant’Agostino. As Italy’s longest-running wine preview event, this year’s gathering brought the international wine community together to taste the highly anticipated Brunello di Montalcino 2021, alongside Brunello Riserva 2020 and Rosso di Montalcino 2024. With 122 wineries presenting their wines and approximately 100 journalists and industry professionals in attendance, the event underscored Brunello’s enduring status as one of Italy’s most prestigious wine denominations. The international presence was particularly notable, with nearly half of the attending journalists coming from abroad, reflecting Brunello’s truly global appeal.

The event maintained its successful dual format pioneered in previous years. The first three days (November 20–22) were reserved for trade and media, featuring technical tastings. The final two days opened to Italian and international wine lovers, restaurant professionals, wine merchants, and sommeliers for walk-around sessions where they could meet producers directly.

Brunello’s continued market strength

Brunello di Montalcino has achieved what few wine denominations can claim: sustained growth in both prestige and commercial success over the past half-century. The denomination’s popularity continues to expand in world markets, driven by rising average prices, stable volumes, and growth in strategic regions. Recent data from Wine Intelligence confirms Brunello’s exceptional brand recognition in Italy, where it is known by two out of three consumers, surpassing in notoriety even neighbouring Tuscan appellations.

Rosso di Montalcino continues to show impressive growth. Following the expansion of vineyard area, bottlings in the first ten months reached nearly 4 million State Seals issued, marking a 29% year-on-year increase. This secondary appellation has become an important entry point for consumers discovering the territory while also serving as an earlier-drinking expression of Montalcino’s terroir. The Consorzio announced plans to launch a new promotional program for the denomination in 2026, involving collective participation in primary markets, particularly the United States, as well as additional strategic destinations. The aim is to diversify business opportunities for producers as much as possible, ensuring the denomination’s continued growth across multiple markets rather than relying too heavily on any single region.

Understanding the 2021 vintage

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the 2021 vintage characteristics through Brunello Forma, the Consorzio’s comprehensive technical analysis program. Now utilizing data from 60 weather stations (a 54% increase over 2020) and comparable to the 30-year historical average (1996–2025), the analysis provided detailed insights into what shaped this distinctive vintage. The 2021 growing season was defined by two main weather anomalies: a notably colder spring than historical norms, especially during March, April, and May, and a significantly warmer, drier September.

What made 2021 particularly unusual was the complete absence of rain between late August and early September, a pattern atypical for the Montalcino area. The vintage narrative began dramatically on April 8 with one of the most severe spring frosts of the past two decades. Following an early budbreak prompted by rapidly increasing temperatures from March 24 onward, the sudden plunge in minimum temperatures, exacerbated by a strong North Atlantic cold front, delayed the entire vegetative cycle and significantly reduced yields in some areas.

Summer brought a pronounced water deficit rather than thermal excess. Despite the persistent drought, maximum temperatures remained moderate, with only brief heatwaves observed. This restraint proved crucial to wine quality. The marked diurnal temperature variation, combined with the absence of prolonged heat stress, allowed the grapes to maintain freshness and aromatic complexity even under challenging conditions. Harvest commenced in the second half of September under clear skies and concluded rapidly in early October, with all fruit brought in before the first significant rainfall arrived after October 5. The resulting wines reflect a vintage shaped by discipline and precision: approachable yet structured, elegant yet concentrated, offering immediate appeal while promising graceful evolution over time.

A unique territory for the pure expression of Sangiovese

The Brunello production area corresponds to the historical limits of the Municipality of Montalcino, a picturesque village just 40 km south of Siena, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and historical sites. The Montalcino district comprises 3,500 hectares of vineyards registered under the DOC and DOCG designations. The production area is shaped like a square around the town, and it’s fascinating to observe the microclimate differences in such a compact territory.

This is a dry land encompassing a multitude of microclimates and soils. Generally speaking, grapes located in the cooler northern areas of the DOCG tend to ripen more slowly. These vineyard sites are located at higher elevations (but never over 600 meters) and are planted in gravelly Galestro soil. On the south side, the grapes grow in an entirely different environment. The soils are richer, such as clay; the sunlight is more intense; sea breezes blow from the Tyrrhenian Sea; and the resulting wines are more powerful. Furthermore, the presence of Mount Amiata (1,740 m) to the south has an important influence by shielding the grapes from strong atmospheric phenomena and providing breezes that help keep the climate dry and the vines healthy.

Tasting impressions of the 2021 vintage

After tasting most of the Brunello di Montalcino 2021 samples, the overall impression is of a vintage that shows approachable drinkability supported by good structure and finesse. The wines reflect the character of a season defined by moderate temperatures, marked diurnal variation, and water stress without extreme heat. The result is a Brunello that balances freshness with concentration, offering elegance and refinement that will continue to evolve beautifully over time.

The Sangiovese Grosso: the fingerprint of Brunello

Brunello di Montalcino is a 100% Sangiovese-based wine that needs long periods of aging before reaching its quality peak, but once achieved, it represents a true champion of balance, complexity, and maturity. Sangiovese is the only grape allowed in the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. It is a very sensitive native grape and one of the highest-quality varieties, requiring careful practice and impeccable attention throughout its production process, harvest, and vinification.

It is a variety that shows fragrant notes of cherry and plum, hints of spice, and an extraordinary texture. The natural tannic structure and high acidity levels of Sangiovese are the main factors behind its longevity. It performs differently in each site and changes depending on its environment. The terroir, combined with the play of time, has always produced elegant wines with perfectly balanced, rich bouquets. Brunello di Montalcino never fails to surprise. It is an example of impressive year-by-year quality persistence, and every vintage reveals a different profile of Sangiovese’s beauty, showcasing a new nuance of its character each time.

Montalcino: a year-round wine destination

Montalcino was historically an important stop on the Via Francigena, a road that ran from England to Rome, and therefore it welcomed and hosted influential figures, including nobles, politicians, and popes. The great wines of Montalcino were crafted to satisfy the illustrious visitors traveling to the Eternal City, which is why the hamlet has displayed absolute quality winemaking for centuries.

Montalcino today is internationally recognized as an authentic, high-end wine destination. Visiting Montalcino is not just about tasting. It is connected to the history of its people and helps visitors understand why wine is so deeply integrated into the culture of its inhabitants, who, from generation to generation, continue to pass on their passion and know-how.

While Benvenuto Brunello represents a highlight in Montalcino’s calendar, the region offers exceptional wine experiences throughout the year. Many of the 122 participating wineries welcome visitors year-round, though reservations are essential. Experiences range from basic tastings to elaborate tours, including vertical tastings of multiple vintages, vineyard walks with detailed explanations of different terroirs, barrel tastings in historic cellars, and food-and-wine pairing experiences. Some estates offer helicopter tours of the denomination and harvest experiences during September and October.

The territory hosts several notable events beyond Benvenuto Brunello. The Brunello Crossing in February features competitive and recreational hiking trails through the vineyards, offering routes ranging from 10 to 44 kilometers. The Jazz & Wine Festival in July combines world-class jazz performances with wine tastings in historic settings. L’Eroica in October, the famous vintage bicycle race traversing the scenic white roads of Tuscany, includes a special route through the Brunello vineyards. Honey Week in September celebrates local honey production with tastings and pairings with Moscadello di Montalcino.

The surrounding UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Val d’Orcia offers activities for every interest, from hiking and biking trails to the iconic cypress-lined roads featured in countless photographs and films. Historic abbeys, including Sant’Antimo, where Gregorian chants still echo through the stone halls—natural hot springs in nearby Bagno Vignoni and San Filippo, and the artistic treasures of Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia provide rich cultural experiences.

The town welcomes many visitors, and the care devoted to hospitality has become just as important as the attention given to its wine. Ancient buildings and modern B&Bs, luxurious accommodations within wine estates, and impeccable hotels offer diverse lodging options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Filippo Magnani

Discovering Campania’s Wine Heritage at Campania Stories 2025

Despite its fragmented landscapes, diverse soils, and varied climate, the Campania region of southern Italy presents a unified face to the global wine world each year through the Campania Stories event.

This year’s event was held in the Vesuvius area from May 18–21 and featured over 90 producers from across Campania. It offered an exceptional opportunity for wine journalists and professionals to discover and taste the wines of this distinctive region. Each year, Campania Stories takes place in a different location; this year, it was hosted at the foot of the active Mount Vesuvius. The event was organized by Miriade & Partners, a local communications agency. The opening ceremony took place at Palazzo Mediceo in Ottaviano, a historic villa that offers panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.

This setting was ideal for exploring wines from the inland areas of Naples province, where vines grow in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. These vineyards, nestled beneath the 1,200-meter-high volcano, benefit from its protection against sea breezes and harsh weather.

Campania’s Wine Production: An Overview
Campania is Italy’s 8th largest wine-producing region, contributing around 4% of the country’s total wine output, which equates to approximately 1.7 million hectoliters per year. While red wines dominate production, there is also a significant volume of white wines, particularly from the Sannio area. Campania’s wines fall under 4 DOCG and 15 DOC appellations, including Vesuvio DOC.

The Historic Vesuvius Wine Region
The Vesuvius area is one of Campania’s oldest wine regions, with viticulture dating back to the 5th century BC. The Greeks and Romans were instrumental in developing the area’s wine culture, introducing new grape varieties and utilizing the volcanic soils’ richness.

Today, viticulture in this zone is divided between two main designations: IGP Monte Somma and Vesuvio DOP. Monte Somma refers to the ancient volcanic rim that partially collapsed after the 79 AD eruption. While Vesuvio wines are more widely recognized, Monte Somma displays unique characteristics, with vineyards reaching elevations of up to 700 meters above sea level. These north-facing slopes benefit from cooling altitudes and descending air currents.

The Vesuvio DOP area is heavily influenced by its microclimate, sea breezes from the Gulf of Naples, and protection from the Lattari Mountains and the Apennines. These features shield the vines from severe frost, while the volcanic activity continues to enrich the soils with potassium and pyroclastic materials.

Monte Somma: A Pristine Terroir
Protected from major lava flows, Monte Somma retains its pristine environment, including dense forests and fruit trees such as the local crisommola apricot. Wines from this area—designated under Monte Somma IGP, are typically austere in youth but exhibit significant aging potential thanks to wide diurnal temperature variation and complex terroir influences.

The Vesuvio DOP appellation, by contrast, faces south and is a major tourist attraction. Its coastal exposure ensures vineyards receive ample sunlight and maritime influence, producing riper, fuller-bodied wines. The entire viticultural area lies within the Vesuvius National Park, a designated biodiversity heritage site.

Ancient Grape Varieties of Vesuvius
The area is home to several ancient grape varieties, including Caprettone (white) and Piedirosso (red). Some of these vines remain ungrafted, thanks to volcanic soil’s natural resistance to phylloxera, offering a treasure trove of genetic heritage. Growers maintain these vines through traditional propagation methods such as layering, preserving centuries-old lineages.

One rare and notable variety is Catalanesca, grown exclusively in the Monte Somma IGT zone. This grape is believed to have originated in Catalonia, Spain, and was introduced to the area in the 15th century by Lucrezia d’Alagno, the lover of King Alfonso I of Aragon. Since then, Catalanesca has adapted so thoroughly to the local terroir that it is now considered native. Interestingly, the grape’s physical characteristics are berry size and cluster shape, change significantly when grown outside Vesuvius.

Originally classified as a table grape, Catalanesca was not used for winemaking until the 1990s due to its large berries, thick skins, and susceptibility to oxidation. However, in 2011, it was officially included in the Monte Somma IGT appellation. Wines made from Catalanesca are semi-aromatic, with floral and saline notes, crisp acidity, and a pleasantly tannic mouthfeel. They typically reach their peak 2–3 years post-harvest. Several samples tasted during Campania Stories stood out for their quality and typicity; detailed tasting notes to follow.

Filippo Magnani

Sicilia En Primeur 2025 celebrates wine culture as a “Guardian of Civilization” standing strong in the face of global challenges

The 2025 edition of Sicilia En Primeur was held from May 6th to 10th in the historic city of Modica, located in southeastern Sicily, providing a culturally rich and architecturally significant setting. One hundred international wine journalists and 57 wineries came together to experience over 300 labels for tasting, four specialized talks, and eleven wine tours. For 21 years, Sicilia En Primeur has been celebrating the evolution of a diverse wine region on the Mediterranean’s largest island. Its history, culture, traditions, and gastronomy are as rich as they are diverse.

Assovini Sicilia was founded 26 years ago by Diego Planeta, Lucio Tasca d’Almerita, and Giacomo Rallo, who launched an association to lead the way to a Sicilian wine renaissance and has since grown in membership and international success due to their visionary and collaborative approach. This year’s event theme was “The Culture of Wine in Sicily: A Thousand-Year Story that Looks to the Future” and focused on wine’s cultural value, responsible consumption, wine tourism, and sustainability.

Mariangela Cambria, President of Assovini Sicilia, emphasized how the association promotes wine as a product of civilization, knowledge, beauty, and tradition, positioning Sicily as defender of wine culture against restrictive global dynamics. The association’s success is based on innovation and adaptability, integrating new generations into company management roles while focusing on sustainability and cultural preservation.

In addition to the conference, Sicilia En Primeur organized eleven wine press tours exploring Sicily’s diverse terroirs from Etna’s volcanic slopes to Pantelleria’s sun-drenched vineyards, from Marsala’s historic cellars to emerging zones across the island. The tours revealed the extraordinary versatility of Sicily’s wine landscape and innovative approaches across different microclimates and altitudes.

Central to Sicily’s identity remains Nero d’Avola, representing over 60% of Sicilia DOC production with remarkable +441% growth since 2017. Four distinct biotypes correlate to different macro-zones: Central-Southern Sicily produces deep-colored wines with high alcohol and soft tannins; Western Sicily yields lighter, consistent wines; Eastern Sicily delivers higher polyphenol wines with characteristic herbaceous notes reminiscent of Cabernet Franc, often described as caper nuances. Catarratto emerged as exceptional for Classic Method sparklings at high altitude, while beloved Frappato showcased remarkable versatility in rosés, bubbles, and blends with Nero d’Avola.

Sicily represents international significance with over 8,000 vine-growers, 530 bottlers, 24,600 hectares, 86 million bottles annually, and Europe’s largest organic vineyard area with 26,000 hectares. DOC Sicily, established in 2011, serves as a powerful ambassador for the island’s diverse heritage.

This year’s collaboration with La Sicilia di Ulisse distinguished the event, featuring Michelin-starred chefs in the gala dinner celebrating Sicily’s 2025 European Gastronomic Region designation. This collective unites Sicilian distinction across hospitality, culinary arts, and winemaking industries. Strengthened collaborations with Enoteca Regionale Sud-Est and ATS Strade del Vino Cerasuolo di Vittoria delivered concentrated regional expertise on southeastern territories.

The comprehensive technical tasting showcased 300 wines from 57 producers, demonstrating Sicily’s evolution from bulk production to premium, terroir-driven wines competing internationally. Four specialized talks addressed contemporary challenges, including communication strategies, neuromarketing, and new State labelling initiatives.

Sicily stands as a territory achieving worldwide acclaim through substantial environmental stewardship commitments. The 2025 Sicilia En Primeur positioned itself as a cultural declaration safeguarding wine’s civilizational importance while championing innovation, ecological responsibility, and mindful consumption, demonstrating that Sicily’s viticultural community spearheads international discourse regarding wine culture’s evolution.

Sicily’s Wine Renaissance: Tourism Meets Timeless Tradition

In addition to the broad array of high-quality wines, Sicily offers stunning scenery and a unique historical and architectural heritage. Some of the best-preserved sites of antiquity are found across the island and are layered with all the cultures that came after. In less than an hour, one can visit Sicily’s largest Greek theatre in Taormina and do a wine tasting on the slopes of Mt Etna. Optionally, visit Moorish-influenced mosaics at a Norman cathedral in Palermo, then spend the afternoon exploring the best Marsala wineries. Few places offer such rich experiences with wineries that are so well-equipped to receive visitors. Among the members of Assovini Sicilia, almost all of them have a dedicated tasting room for visitors, and more than half offer experiences such as cooking classes and spa treatments, and winery tours that interact with the landscape and culture. The most popular experiences offered are sunset tastings, dinners in the vineyard, and a chance to join the grape harvest. One third of these wineries also have accommodation where wine enthusiasts can stay on the property, fully immersed in the terroir and culture of the winery.

During the Sicily En Primeur, some fantastic territories were explored on the press trips. Sveva Consonni, my collaborator, visited some great wineries and provided the following report.

Tenuta Rapitalà

Rapitalà (Arabic for “God’s Garden”) embodies a unique cultural fusion that began in 1968 when Laurent de la Gatinais’s French father and Sicilian mother settled on the island. Their vision: “drinking Sicily from a French point of view” – marrying French winemaking expertise with indigenous Sicilian varieties.

The 225-hectare estate spans diverse microclimates, with indigenous plantings dating to 1963 and international varieties introduced systematically from 1968-1985. Today, the family produces 2 million bottles annually across their Dominio Rapitalà and Horeca lines.

After achieving organic certification in 2021 (following a careful transition that began in 2011), Rapitalà continues collaborating with the University of Palermo on innovative viticultural practices. Their harvest extends from early August through late October, accommodating the estate’s varied terroir and commitment to optimal ripeness.

Serra Ferdinandea

A collaboration between Planeta and French financier Oddo, Serra Ferdinandea represents Sicily’s most ambitious biodynamic experiment. Located in Menfi at 500m elevation, this 110-hectare estate occupies pristine territory untouched by agriculture for 300 years.

The philosophy is radical: “The place, not the producer’s ego, is central.” Only 15 hectares are planted to vines, with 16 hectares preserved as Mediterranean forest where semi-wild livestock graze, producing compost naturally. The remaining land grows ancient grains, indigenous chickpeas, and native figs. This holistic approach yields an extraordinary 10% crop vigour compared to 3.5% on conventionally farmed land.

Biodynamic preparations (500, silica, iron, nettle) guide vineyard management, while grape placement follows terroir logic: Syrah on high slopes, Nero d’Avola on exposed rocky sites, Grillo and Sauvignon Blanc mid-slope for freshness. The wines bear no names—simply rosé, white, and red with vintage—letting the place speak for itself. Production: 30,000-40,000 bottles annually.

Feudo Arancio

Named for the medieval orange groves that once covered this land, Feudo Arancio represents large-scale sustainability done right. Now part of the Mezzacorona Group, this 200-hectare estate produces 7 million bottles annually while maintaining organic certification since 2007.

Water management showcases their environmental commitment: natural springs, two estate-fed lakes, plus Lake Arancio provide irrigation only when necessary. The 60-person team hand-manages all vineyard operations except harvest, working across diverse elevations from 120m to 300m where sandy and clay soils create distinct terroir expressions.

Their altitude-driven approach produces two distinct Nero d’Avola styles: a fresh, approachable version from higher vineyards and a complex, concentrated expression from lower, clay-rich sites. Night harvesting for whites (3-9 AM) preserves aromatics, while innovative techniques include post-harvest grape drying on vineyard wires. Even their Pinot Noir, grown near shady forest cover, develops more structure than typical northern Italian versions. The estate also produces premium olive oil from 15 hectares of indigenous varieties.

Mandrarossa

Part of the impressive Settesoli cooperative network (6,000 hectares, 20 million bottles), Mandrarossa emerged in 1999 as the premium expression of this collaborative model, producing 1 million bottles annually from the “Terre dei Sicani” district.
Their scientific approach centers on micro-vinification and the principle of “right grapes on ideal soils,” utilizing five experimental plots across different soil types. This research-driven philosophy, supported by partnerships with the University of Milan, helped establish them as early adopters of international varieties alongside traditional Sicilian ones.

The 11-kilometre territory strip remains completely uncontaminated, supporting both VIVA certification for economic/social sustainability and low environmental impact credentials. Vineyard management combines modern techniques (90% spur-pruned cordon) with traditional methods (10% bush vines), while irrigation covers only half the plantings. Night harvesting for whites runs from midnight to 5 AM, ensuring optimal fruit quality across their diverse portfolio spanning both Menfi and Etna appellations.

Feudi del Piscotto Wine Relais

Established in 2002, Feudi del Pisciotto is strategically located in southeastern Sicily, between the Roman Villa of Piazza Armerina and Caltagirone, a town famous for its ceramics, and just 5 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea. It’s 44 hectares of vineyards, situated around 250 meters above sea level, that benefit from a unique terroir and climate. The altitude, combined with the nearby coastline, creates moderating influences ideal for producing premium wines.

The estate meticulously cultivates its vineyards, treating them with the care of a botanical garden. This dedication by their viticulturists contributes significantly to the high quality of their wines. Annually, Feudi del Pisciotto produces up to 400,000 bottles.

Their plantings include indigenous Sicilian red grapes such as Nero d’Avola and Frappato, along with international varieties like Merlot, Cabernet, and Pinot Nero. They also feature less common Sicilian grapes like Semillon and Gewürztraminer, used to produce an exceptional Passito dessert wine. These international varieties grown in Sicily exemplify the belief of renowned oenologist Giacomo Tachis that Sicily has the potential to cultivate almost any grape variety successfully, provided expert knowledge and careful viticultural practices are applied.

Gulfi Cantina

Gulfi embodies the true essence of Sicily, crafting distinct wines deeply rooted in their specific origins. Inspired by the mythical love of Eros and Psyche, Gulfi passionately translates Sicily’s beauty into wines of pure pleasure.

Vito Catania carries on his family’s three-generation winemaking heritage with a profound love for wine and his homeland. Since 1996, in Chiaramonte Gulfi within Ragusa’s Monti Iblei, he has expertly blended innovation with ancestral knowledge, focusing on meticulous massal selection and vine cultivation.

Gulfi’s vineyards extend from the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG in Monti Iblei to the Eloro DOC in Pachino, yielding four remarkable Nero d’Avola wines, each defined by its unique terroir. Their portfolio culminates on Etna’s northern slopes in Randazzo, where ancient Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio vines flourish at high altitudes.

Gulfi’s philosophy respects nature through traditional, unirrigated bush-vine cultivation, honouring ancestral methods and natural cycles. Their commitment to organic farming stems from a deep respect for both the land and the consumer, celebrating the manual harvest as a time-honoured ritual.

Filippo Magnani

The Twelve Pievi: How Tuscany’s Historic Wine Region Is Redefining Excellence After Three Decades

In the heart of Tuscany, where time moves at its own leisurely pace, the historic town of Montepulciano celebrates a remarkable milestone in 2025. While thirty-one years may seem minor against the backdrop of a town preserved since the 16th century, the evolution of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano during this period tells a story of extraordinary growth and transformation. Since establishing the Anteprima event in 1994 to showcase market-ready vintages, the Consortium has seen production volumes and membership nearly double. The 31st edition of the Preview returns to honor its rich heritage while embracing the future, continuing the legacy of an appellation with winemaking traditions dating back to Etruscan times.

The Renaissance of Traditional Terroir
The custodians of Montepulciano’s viticultural heritage have achieved a masterful balance between innovation and tradition, preserving the essence of their craft while adapting to modern challenges. Their meticulous stewardship extends beyond the vineyards to the entire ecosystem—landscapes, architecture, and cultural practices are carefully maintained as living tributes to ancestral accomplishments.

The 2025 market debut of the prestigious Pieve classification marks the culmination of years of dedicated research and development. Following the Consortium’s approval in 2023 and the Italian National Wine Committee’s final endorsement on October 10, 2024, these exceptional wines have reached shelves with the publication of regulations in the February 5, 2025 Official Journal. The 2021 vintage—the first to carry the distinguished Pieve designation—exemplifies the region’s commitment to geographical authenticity and production excellence.

These twelve Additional Geographic Units (UGAs) honor ancient parish divisions that date back to the Roman and Lombard eras, creating a direct connection between contemporary winemaking and historical territorial organization. Only wines produced with at least 85% Sangiovese grapes grown and bottled by the same estate within a specific Pieve boundary may bear this prestigious label. Quality control remains paramount, with the Consortium establishing an internal commission of technical experts to ensure compliance with rigorous specifications before certification.

Industry professionals surveyed by Nomisma project retail prices for these premium offerings to range between 40-70 euros, with exceptional bottles commanding 70-100+ euros. The market acknowledges the unique value proposition, with respondents emphasizing Montepulciano’s “strong identity and tradition,” “superior quality,” and the “prestige of the brand” as key differentiators. Wine enthusiasts now can explore these distinctive terroirs through comparison tastings, enhanced by the Consortium’s innovative ’12 Pievi’ web series documenting the unique characteristics of each historical parish zone.

Montepulciano’s forward-looking approach extends beyond geographical classification to embrace sustainability initiatives. As the first Italian denomination to receive Equalitas certification in May 2022, the region upholds strict environmental standards by measuring carbon and water footprints while promoting socio-economic equity. A sophisticated network of 50 meteorological stations provides critical data for ongoing climate adaptation strategies.

Where History and Viticulture Converge
Nestled on limestone hills that divide the Val di Chiana from Val d’Orcia, Montepulciano stands as a living testament to centuries of artistic, architectural, and agricultural achievement. Visitors wandering its cobblestone streets encounter Etruscan relics, Renaissance palazzos, ornate religious sanctuaries, and thriving artisanal traditions. The magnificent Piazza Grande, with its 17th-century Duomo, serves as the gravitational center, while the San Biagio sanctuary forms a stunning gateway to the iconic cypress-lined valleys that define the quintessential Tuscan landscape.

The Consortium has enhanced the visitor experience through the introduction of the “Pilgrimage to Montepulciano’s Pievi,” an immersive journey combining walking tours of historic parish territories with evening tastings of their distinctive wines. This multisensory experience invites travelers to engage deeply with the region’s terroir—physically traversing the landscape while savoring its enological expressions.

The economic significance of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is profound, with the industry valued at approximately one billion euros in combined assets, revenue, and production capacity. Average annual production value reaches 65 million euros, forming the cornerstone of a local economy in which 70% of activity is directly related to viticulture. Of the 16,500 hectares of municipal territory, vineyards occupy 2,000 hectares—including 1,200 hectares dedicated to Vino Nobile DOCG and 390 hectares to Rosso di Montepulciano DOC. The industry supports roughly 1,000 permanent jobs alongside seasonal positions spread across 90 bottling operations and 250 grape producers.

The 2024 market performance highlights continued growth, with 6.7 million bottles of Vino Nobile and 2.3 million bottles of Rosso reaching consumers. Export markets account for 65.5% of production, with Germany (37%) and the United States (28%) leading international demand. Particularly noteworthy is the increasing preference for organic certification, representing 44.7% of domestic sales and exceeding 50% of international transactions.

For wine lovers seeking authentic experiences, Montepulciano offers an unrivaled destination where history, culture, and exceptional winemaking converge. Whether exploring medieval alleys, participating in guided tastings, hiking through vine-covered hills, or embarking on parish pilgrimages, visitors are immersed in traditions that honor the past and embrace the future. The Pieve classification represents more than a marketing distinction; it is a profound reconnection with historical identity—a perfect expression of a region that continues to evolve while remaining true to its timeless character.

A Timeless Sanctuary for Wine Lovers
Situated gracefully on gently undulating limestone slopes that form a natural boundary between Val di Chiana and Val d’Orcia, Montepulciano is a living testament to Tuscany’s rich oenological heritage. This captivating medieval settlement occupies a privileged position among Italy’s most celebrated wine regions, embodying the essence of cultural identity. From ancient Etruscan cultivation methods to modern winemaking innovations, Montepulciano’s terroir has seen the evolution of viticulture over millennia, solidifying its status among Tuscany’s revered wine sanctuaries.

More than just a production zone, Montepulciano serves as an immersive open-air museum chronicling the region’s enduring connection to viticulture. The town attracts discerning enophiles and cultural travelers from around the globe, each seeking the harmonious blend of historical significance and vinous excellence that defines this remarkable destination.
The charming historic center reveals layers of architectural and artistic achievement, including prehistoric Etruscan artifacts, magnificent Renaissance palazzos, consecrated sanctuaries adorned by master painters, classical performance venues, and thriving workshops that preserve traditional craftsmanship. Every cobblestone and archway contribute to Montepulciano’s unique charm, inviting visitors to lose themselves in its timeless allure. Here, amidst this splendid tapestry of historical and aesthetic treasures, wine serves as the ultimate ambassador—a masterful interpreter of Tuscany’s magnificent landscape. Through each glass of this noble elixir, visitors embark on a sensory journey that bridges past and present, terroir and tradition, celebrating Montepulciano’s enduring legacy as a sanctuary for those who value the profound relationship between place, culture, and exceptional winemaking.

Filippo Magnani

Chianti Classico Collection 2025: Embracing Sustainability in Italy’s Iconic Wine Region

The prestigious Black Rooster wine-tasting event made its much-anticipated return to Florence, this time with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Held February 17th and 18th, 2025, the 32nd Chianti Classico Collection welcomed guests to the historic Stazione Leopolda. This year’s event saw record-breaking participation, with 218 Black Rooster wineries presenting their latest vintages to media, industry professionals, and—new for this year—offering select wines for purchase to the public.

The central theme of the 2025 Collection was sustainability, underscoring the region’s dedication to an eco-conscious future. This vision came to life through an installation in the Leopolda hall, showcasing live melliferous plants that symbolize the biodiversity of the Black Rooster vineyards. The event also embraced eco-friendly practices by incorporating recycled materials, such as pressed cardboard seating in the foyer and organic cotton tote bags, while actively reducing plastic and paper waste. Even the catering followed a zero-waste philosophy, donating surplus food to the Villa Lorenzi solidarity project.

The event’s scale highlighted its growing significance, featuring 790 wine labels available for tasting, including 194 Chianti Classico Riserva, 185 Gran Selezione, and 40 preview samples of the 2024 vintage. The Chianti Classico Collection continues to celebrate the richness and diversity of this world-renowned wine region.

This year marked two important milestones for Chianti Classico DOP Olive Oil: the 50th anniversary of its Consorzio and the 25th anniversary of the denomination. Attendees could explore a tasting counter featuring 35 premium olive oils and engage in a seminar with guided tastings, celebrating this exceptional product.

As part of the Collection, the Tuscan Wine and Food Press Association (ASET) hosted a convention commemorating the centennial of Giulio Gambelli, the legendary wine taster. During this event, the Giulio Gambelli Award was presented to a young winemaker whose work best reflected Gambelli’s philosophy over the past year.

This year’s new additions included guided wine tours led by esteemed experts such as Fabio Ceccarelli, Riccardo Margheri, Leonardo Romanelli, and Valentino Tesi. A notable highlight was the introduction of public access on Tuesday, allowing wine enthusiasts to purchase select Chianti Classico labels and popular Black Rooster merchandise.

The event also continued its partnerships with iconic Italian food and wine brands, including Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, Pomodoro di Pachino IGP, and Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP. This culinary celebration was the perfect complement to the wines of Chianti Classico, which remained the star attraction.

Once again, the Chianti Classico Collection showcased the passion and excellence that define this remarkable wine region, bringing together producers, experts, and enthusiasts in a celebration of Italy’s heritage and craftsmanship.

Filippo Magnani