Updated selection of the best Vino Nobile di Montepulciano recommended by Jean Marco Palmieri.
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- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
- Best Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Food Pairings
BEST NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO recommended by Jean Marco Palmieri
Which are the best Nobile di Montepulciano wines?
Discover the wines recommended by Italy’s Finest Wines through our tasting so that everyone can find the ideal wine according to their tastes and preferences
Vibile di Montepulciano Pieve ‘Caggiole’ 2021 – Poliziano
On the nose, ripe red fruits are perceived, with delicate spicy notes and a well-integrated oak component. On the palate, it shows depth and substance: dense yet smooth tannins, lively acidity that supports the sip and provides harmony. Long and persistent finish.
Technical notes: “Le Caggiole” vineyard in a north-east position, on sandy soils with limited clay content. Vinification takes place with indigenous yeasts at controlled temperature, followed by 16–18 months of aging in French oak tonneaux.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile).
Zone: Pieve Caggiole.
Costa Grande Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021 – Boscarelli
Clear aromas of cherry and plum, with floral hints and a dry spiciness well-integrated by the oak. On the palate, it is compact and linear, with dense yet orderly tannins and freshness that supports the progression. Long and defined finish.
Technical notes: Vineyard on a sheltered slope with calcareous marl soils containing clay and red earth; replanted in 2000. Fermentation in oak vats with indigenous yeasts at controlled temperature, prolonged maceration. Aging in tonneaux and large barrels, followed by 6–12 months in bottle.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese.
Zone: Cervognano.
Nobile di Montepulciano 2021 – Poderi Sanguineto | e ||
Intense ruby red color, with a fresh aromatic profile and well-defined fruity notes. On the palate, it shows balanced structure, soft tannins, and long, harmonious persistence.
Technical notes: Vineyards located in the Sanguineto area, on calcareous and clay soils, vines aged 15–50 years. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by 24 months aging in oak barrels.
Grapes: 80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo.
Zone: Cervognano (Sanguineto locality)
Alto Pieve Cervognano 2022 – Le Berne
Intense ruby red color, with aromas of sour cherry, blueberry, eucalyptus, graphite, chocolate, and sweet spices. On the palate, it is elegant, with smooth tannins and long persistence.
Technical notes: Vineyards at 350 m a.s.l. in the Cervognano area, on clay and calcareous soils. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and extended maceration. Aging for 24 months in large Slavonian oak barrels and small French oak casks, followed by at least 6 months in bottle.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese.
Zone: Pieve Cervognano
Poggetto di Sopra Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2022 – Avignonesi
Aromas of fresh cherry and small red fruits, with subtle floral notes and a hint of minerality. On the palate, it is vertical and fluid, with well-integrated acidity, fine tannins, and a linear, persistent finish with a savory closure.
Technical notes: Sangiovese grapes cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in concrete and stainless steel tanks. Aging for approximately 18 months in oak barrels of varying sizes, followed by bottle maturation.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese.
Zone: Poggetto di Sopra.
Nobile di Montepulciano 2022 – Il Macchione
Aromas of ripe plum, small red fruits, hints of citrus peel, and subtle balsamic notes. On the palate, it shows compact and dry structure, with well-integrated tannins, balanced acidity, and a clean, persistent finish.
Technical notes: Fermentation in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts, followed by aging in oak barrels of various sizes and origins, selected to preserve the varietal identity of Sangiovese.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese.
Zone: Caggiole
Pieve Gracciano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021 – Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta
Aromas of violet, cherry, sour cherry, and small red fruits, with balsamic and spicy hints. Ruby red color. On the palate, it is dry, balanced, and structured, with velvety tannins and a long, vibrant finish.
Technical notes: “Toraia” cru vineyards, north-east facing at 300 m a.s.l., on silty-clay soils, trained to Guyot and planted in 1999, with a production of approximately 30 hl/ha. Fermentation and maceration in stainless steel at 25 °C with indigenous yeasts for about 20 days, with daily pump-overs. Aging for 18 months (12 in 5 hl tonneaux, 6 in 15 hl barrels) followed by at least 12 months in bottle.
Grapes: 100% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese).
Zone: Pieve Gracciano
Pieve Le Grazie Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021- Talosa
Intense ruby red color, with aromas of cherry, small red fruits, and subtle spicy and balsamic notes. On the palate, it is structured, with soft, velvety tannins and freshness that supports the sip through a long and harmonious finish.
Technical notes: Vineyards at 385 m a.s.l., south-west facing, trained to spur-pruned cordon. Fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, followed by extended maceration on the skins. Aging for approximately two years in French oak tonneaux of second and third use, with an additional period of bottle maturation.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese.
Zone: Pieve Le Grazie
Pieve Velardegna Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021 – Il Mulinaccio
Aromas of red cherry and small ripe fruits, with notes of undergrowth, Mediterranean herbs, and subtle floral hints. On the palate, it combines structure and freshness: present and defined tannins, acidity that keeps the sip tense and dynamic, with a final persistence recalling fruit and light spices.
Technical notes: Vineyards of Pieve Velardegna in a highly suitable subzone of Montepulciano. Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, followed by approximately 24 months aging in large Slavonian oak barrels and subsequent bottle maturation.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile).
Zone: Pieve Velardegna
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ‘Pietrarossa’ 2021 – Contucci
Bright ruby red color, with aromas of fresh red fruits, subtle floral hints, and discreet spiciness. On the palate, it is balanced, with soft tannins, lively acidity, and a pleasant, persistent finish.
Technical notes: Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperature, followed by malolactic fermentation. Extended aging in Slavonian oak barrels, followed by additional bottle maturation.
Grapes: 80% Prugnolo Gentile, 10% Canaiolo Nero, 10% Colorino.
Zone: Pietra Rossa
Pieve San Biagio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021 – Le Bertille
Aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, and subtle spices. On the palate, it is enveloping and harmonious, with well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity that supports prolonged persistence.
Technical notes: Sangiovese grapes from the Le Bertille and Casella estates. Vinification in conical Slavonian oak vats with extended maceration and malolactic fermentation in wood. Aging for approximately 24 months in oak barrels of various sizes, followed by at least one year of bottle maturation.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese.
Zone: Pieve San Biagio
Pieve Cervognano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2022 – Guidotti
Aromas of cherry and ripe red fruits, with subtle spices and balsamic hints. On the palate, it shows full structure, smooth tannins, and balanced acidity, with a long and persistent finish and good aging potential.
Technical notes: Vineyards of Pieve di Cervognano at 300–400 m a.s.l. on silty-clay soils with calcareous content. Fermentation in stainless steel with maceration on the skins and indigenous yeasts, followed by malolactic fermentation and extended aging in wood, completed by bottle maturation.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese.
Zone: Pieve Cervognano
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ‘Soraldo’ 2021 – De’ Ricci
Aromas of ripe cherry and plum, with subtle floral and spicy notes integrated with the fruit. On the palate, it is full and structured, with soft, well-defined tannins and balanced acidity. Long and persistent finish, with fruity recalls and light notes of dried fruit.
Technical notes: Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperature with indigenous yeasts and extended maceration on the skins. Aging for approximately 24 months in tonneaux and large barrels of 20–25 hl, followed by at least 12 months of bottle maturation.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese.
Zone: Soraldo Hill, west and south-facing slopes, 450 m a.s.l.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ‘Messaggero’ 2020 – Montemercurio
Aromas of red and black forest fruits, with hints of leather, tobacco, and a delicate mineral note of damp undergrowth. On the palate, it is harmonious and structured, with mature, smooth tannins and sapid acidity that provides freshness and fluidity. Long and balsamic finish, with fruity and spicy echoes.
Technical notes: Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperature with indigenous yeasts, followed by malolactic fermentation. Aging for approximately 18 months in Slavonian oak barrels, following a traditional process that enhances structure, balance, and aging potential.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese.
Zone: Montemercurio (San Biagio)
Pieve Cerliana 2021 – Antico Colle
Aromas of cherry, plum, and sour cherry, with subtle spicy and balsamic notes. On the palate, it shows medium‑high structure, present but smooth tannins, and freshness that supports a long, defined sip.
Technical notes: 100% Sangiovese grapes, harvested at full ripeness. Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperature with indigenous yeasts and maceration on the skins for approximately 18–22 days, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. Aging for 24 months in 10 hl French oak barrels, followed by 12 months of bottle maturation. Vineyards at about 300 m a.s.l., south-east facing, on medium-textured soils tending towards clay.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese.
Zone: Pieve Cerliana
Pieve Cervognano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021 – Svetoni
Elegant aromas of ripe red fruits, cherry, and morello cherry, with subtle spicy and balsamic hints. On the palate, it is harmonious and balanced, with well-defined tannins and freshness that support a long, persistent finish.
Technical notes: Vineyards in Cervognano, 300–400 m a.s.l., on chalky and clay soils, south/southeast exposure. Fermentation in stainless steel with punch-downs and delestage using indigenous yeasts, followed by malolactic fermentation in steel. Aged approximately 24 months in Slavonian oak casks of various sizes, partly in French barriques, followed by at least 12 months in bottle.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Zone: Pieve Cervognano
I Quadri 2023 – Bindella
Aromas of ripe cherry, plum, and subtle spices. On the palate, it is structured and harmonious, with well-integrated tannins and acidity that supports the wine’s fluidity. The finish is smooth, with light savory notes.
Technical notes: Fermentation in cement with indigenous yeasts. Aging for 18 months in French oak barriques, completed by at least 12 months of bottle maturation.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese.
Zone: I Quadri Vineyard (Cerliana)
Pievi of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The Pievi of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are 12 subzones introduced by the appellation regulations starting with the 2021 vintage as Additional Geographic Units (UGA). They represent the flagship of the denomination, producing wines of superior quality with a distinctive identity.
The Pieve designation requires strict standards: grapes must come exclusively from vineyards within the single Pieve, with limited yields per hectare, minimum vineyard age, varietal composition anchored to Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile) with complementary traditional local varieties (Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, Mammolo, Colorino), and extended aging of at least three years, including a minimum of 12 months in wood and 12 months in bottle before release.
The 12 Pievi recognized by the regulations are: Ascianello, Badia, Caggiole, Cerliana, Cervognano, Gracciano, Le Grazie, San Biagio, Sant’Albino, Sant’Ilario, Valardegna, and Valiano.
Food pairing with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Certainly choosing food pairings for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano that are local is an excellent solution.
Examples of sensational food pairings with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in this case can be Pici with Chianina beef ragù or Pici alla Norcina with Truffle, Tagliata di Chianina, Scottiglia di Cinghiale with Polenta.
But for those who love cheese, it’s also worth trying the pairing of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano with platters of cured meats and Pecorino from Pienza.
To learn more, read the article dedicated to food pairing with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is one of the finest and most iconic DOCG red wines produced in Tuscany. The production area includes approximately 1,200 hectares located in the municipality of Montepulciano in the province of Siena, halfway between the Valdichiana and the Val d’Orcia.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is produced primarily from a minimum of 70% Sangiovese grapes, to which complementary grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet, Canaiolo, and Colorino can be added.
According to the regulations, the wine must undergo a maturation period of at least two years (including at least 12 months in wood) starting from January 1st following the harvest. In the case of the Riserva version, the aging period extends up to 36 months.
Best vintages of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Which Vino Nobile di Montepulciano to choose? The vintage classification of Nobile di Montepulciano ranges from the highest excellence of five stars, exclusively attributed to the best vintages, down to a minimum of one star.
1995✭✭✭✭
1996✭✭✭
1997✭✭✭✭✭
1998✭✭✭✭
1999✭✭✭✭✭
2000✭✭✭
2001✭✭✭✭✭
2002✭✭
2003✭✭✭
2004✭✭✭✭✭
2005✭✭✭✭
2006✭✭✭✭✭
2007✭✭✭✭
2008✭✭✭✭
2009✭✭✭✭
2010✭✭✭✭✭+
2011✭✭✭✭
2012✭✭✭✭1/2
2013✭✭✭✭
2014✭✭✭
2015✭✭✭✭✭
2016✭✭✭✭✭+
2017✭✭✭✭
2018✭✭✭✭
2019✭✭✭✭✭
2020✭✭✭✭✭
2021✭✭✭✭✭
2022✭✭✭✭
2023✭✭✭✭
What are the best Nobile di Montepulciano wines?
What are the best Nobile di Montepulciano wines? Choosing is a daunting task, which inevitably falls prey to the limits of subjective opinion, which as such, by definition, is deficient and arbitrary.
We have simply compiled a list of our favorite interpretations based on our evaluations. However, it is essential to underline that wine does not emerge as a status symbol to display or flaunt in front of others.
Rather, it is meant to evoke emotions and be genuinely shared with the people we love, tying itself to contingent situations and the unrepeatable and intimate moments of our lives.
Therefore, we invite you to visit the wineries and get to know the producers who craft wines in their uniqueness so that you can discover and choose autonomously the wine that may be counted among your personal favorites.
If you have had the patience to read this far, I thank you for your attention, but now it’s time to fill the glasses and sever distant hopes, so:
Cheers, Salute, Santé
Jean Marco Palmieri
