Considering the Tuscan town of Montepulciano has been preserved in time since the 16th century, thirty years may not seem like much, but a lot has happened since then for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. In 1994 the Anteprima event was established by the Consortium to present new vintages that were ready for release to the market. Depending on its label Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has been matured for 2 – 4 years in barrel and bottle before it can be sold. Each year the event is highly anticipated by journalists and wine experts. Since the first Anteprima edition was held in 1994 both bottle production and the number of estate members in the Consortium has doubled. The appellation has truly become a benchmark for Italian wine which is perhaps not a surprise since Montepulciano has been renowned for its wine since the ancient Etruscan civilization.
How Montepulciano moves forward
As it moves into the modern era, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG has upheld its values of tradition, territory and sustainability. The landscapes, architecture and way of life have been preserved in such a way as to honor past generations and their accomplishments. The deep knowledge of the territory that has been passed on to the current winemakers and estate owners is now documented and solidified in history with the creation of subzones called Pieve in Montepulciano. These twelve Additional Geographic Units (UGA) are now labeled on about 10% of Vino Nobile bottles with the name of their Pieve surrounding the town of Montepulciano. Named after the ancient parishes that divided the land since Roman and Lombard times, the Pieve Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG label was approved by the Consortium in 2023 and will be released on the market the following year. For a wine to be able to carry this label not only do the grapes have to come from that zone, the wine must be at least 85% Sangiovese and be made with grapes exclusively produced by the winery that bottles the vintage. Consumers will be able to delve into this historical connection between the physical place and its historic roots. The ability to compare the different zones and experience their specificity is also a way to better understand the Montepulciano territory as a whole.
Sustainability continues to be a strong theme at Anteprima since the Consortium started collaborating with the municipality of Montepulciano to record weather and soil data in the 1980’s and 1990’s. As of May 2022, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was the first Italian denomination to receive the certification mark for sustainability according to the Equalitas standard. The protocol established by Equalitas for certification is extremely rigorous and includes numerous environmental requirements, such as measuring the carbon footprint, the water footprint, and socio-economic compliance with free trade unions and equal opportunities. The Consortium now has a network of 50 weather stations for data collection and in 2023 published its first sustainability report. It has been recognized as a professional operator for the SQNPI certification to support member companies.
The cultural and historic heritage of Montepulciano
A symbol of local culture, the village of Montepulciano is situated on a gentle sloping limestone hill that separates Val di Chiana from the Val del Orcia. Due to its rich history, Montepulciano represents a sort of open-air museum in the heart of one of the most popular and explored wine destinations in Tuscany. The old town is filled with Etruscan artifacts, Renaissance buildings, ornate churches decorated by illustrious artists, ancient theaters and local artisan shops. A stroll through the center will take visitors to the Piazza Grande with its 17th century Duomo. Just outside of town is the impressive San Biago sanctuary that leads to the picturesque valley of Val d’Orcia dotted with cypress trees, rolling hills, and vineyards.
Whether wandering through the ancient streets of Montepulciano, indulging in wine tastings, or exploring the captivating countryside, visitors will undoubtedly be entranced by the region’s timeless charm and unforgettable experiences. It is truly a perfect place for wine enthusiasts to immerse themselves in Tuscan beauty and history while enjoying plenty of excellent wines!
Filippo Magnani
