Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: production and ageing in wood barrels
We are talking about a 100% Tuscan DOCG, one of the most ancient wines of Italy and a strict code of conduct that control it: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This precious red wine has obtained the certification of protection way back in 1980 and can be produced only in a small area of Tuscan; what makes it unique? Its vineyards and a long ageing in wood barrels.
Vines used to give life to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are Sangiovese, or better a clone that in Tuscany is called Prugnolo Gentile, and a small percentage of black Canaiolo, that could not exceed the 20% of the whole amount. It is possible to mix together also a small quantity of Tuscan grapes cultivated in the same production area.
In the month of January, after the grape harvest, the wine can be subjected to a process of ageing of two years; the ageing can last a minimum of 12 month in wood barrel plus six month in bottle, or other containers. 18 months in wood barrels and other containers or 24 months in wood barrels.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: the territory
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is an elite production, obtained from grapes cultivated only in the Municipality of Montepulciano in the heart of the Senese hills. They twist and turn gently between Val di Chiana and Val d’Orcia and they don’t exceed the 580 meters of height. The particular conformation of this territory, the fertile land and the Tuscan microclimate give to the wine unique organoleptic properties.
Vino Nobile Montepulciano Route, an itinerary surrounded by vineyards, twists and turns in a land shaped by the vacation of its inhabitants in producing wine. They drawn the hills covering them of long rows as a unique symbol of the hills of Siena. The alternation of sand and clay is the ideal condition to give life to well structured and perfumed wines.
Tasting Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
It is useless to say that tasting Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a unique wine experience that gives great pleasures to nose and mouth. In the glass, the bright ruby red stands out, with its dark red shades according to its ageing in the barrel.
To the nose, the olfactory profile is intense and elegant, the perfume reminds notes of red fruits, dried plums with floral aromas and possible notes of tobacco. The bouquet is intense and besides plums, thanks to the Prugnolo Gentile, there can be fragrance of cherries, violets and earthy notes.
In the mouth it is a well-balanced and wide wine, the aroma is lasting with smells of wood that remind its ageing in barrels. It is a fresh wine, with a strong tannic note, sweetened by the ageing in wood containers, and with a long lasting end. Generally speaking, it is a round wine, but fresh and not extremely mineral.
The vinification of this wine is traditional, generally with a long maceration and the ageing occurs often in durmast barrels.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: pairing with food
A well-structured and elegant wine, with a great alcoholic volume, get perfectly married with dishes as structured as it. A perfect pairing can be subjected with red meats, boar and games but also first courses with meat sauces and ragu. Perfect with grilled, stewed meat, lamb or mushroom filet. The particular notes of this wine make it pleasant also with savoury cheeses as Tuscan pecorino or seasoned and spiced cheeses. It can be appreciated also with spiced desserts or enriched with dried fruit and plums.
Nobile di Montepulciano can be served at room temperature, never below 17-18°, to appreciate its rich bouquet and all its shades.
