Wine 101 Amazing Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Embark on a journey into the heart of Tuscany as we unravel the charm of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a true masterpiece among red wines. Amidst the shadows of Chianti and Brunello, Nobile emerges as a distinguished classic, capturing the essence of Italian nobility in a bottle.

Unraveling Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

• Often overshadowed by its Tuscan counterparts, Nobile stands as Tuscany’s noblest red wine, the first DOCG on the Italian market.
• Cherished by influential figures like Thomas Jefferson, Nobile’s history as the wine of nobles adds to its allure.

The Essence of Montepulciano

• Crafted from Sangiovese grapes, locally known as Prugnolo Gentile, grown around the medieval town of Montepulciano in southern Tuscany.
• The warm Mediterranean climate and sandy, clay-rich soils contribute to the vibrancy of Nobile.

Winemaking Mastery

• Nobile, aged for a minimum of two years, highlights Sangiovese, constituting at least 70% of the blend.
• Exceptional versions are crafted with 100% Sangiovese, showcasing the wine’s aging potential with a riserva label.

Distinguishing Nobile and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

• A common misconception clarified: Montepulciano is not just a grape but also a Tuscan town, unlike Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, originating in the central Italian region of Abruzzo.

Perfect Moments to Indulge

• In its youth, Nobile captivates with vibrant ruby hues and bright red fruit aromas, while its structured acidity makes it age-worthy for up to 20 years.
• A versatile wine, Nobile evolves over time, revealing secondary notes of tobacco, leather, and candied fruit flavors without compromising its solid structure.

Reasons to Savor Nobile

• Despite its esteemed history, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano remains a hidden gem in America, offering a noteworthy alternative to its Tuscan counterparts at an appealing price.
• Whether enjoyed in its youth or gracefully aged, Nobile enchants with flavors of ripe red fruit, spice, dark berries, and subtle earthiness, complemented by gentle tannins.

Perfect Pairings

• Nobile’s versatility extends beyond Italian cuisine, making it an ideal companion for barbecue favorites and spicy Asian dishes, transcending culinary boundaries.

10 Facts about Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

1. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is Tuscany’s noblest red wine, often overlooked in favor of Chianti and Brunello.
2. It was the first DOCG wine to enter the Italian market, celebrated for its rich history and association with nobility.
3. Thomas Jefferson, a renowned fine wines expert and the third U.S. President, expressed his admiration for Vino Nobile.
4. Montepulciano, the town, gives its name to the wine, distinct from the grape Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
5. Nobile is crafted from Sangiovese grapes grown in the warm Mediterranean climate and sandy-clay soils around Montepulciano.
6. The wine is aged for a minimum of two years, with riserva versions requiring three years of aging, including one in oak barrels.
7. Nobile showcases vibrant ruby hues and bright red fruit aromas in its youth, evolving into complex notes of tobacco, leather, and candied fruit with age.
8. Despite its prestigious history, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano remains relatively undiscovered in the United States.
9. The wine offers an affordable alternative to Tuscan counterparts, rivaling them in quality.
10. Nobile’s versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual enjoyment to pairing with diverse cuisines.

Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try

2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley

• The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
• Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
• Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
• Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
• Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
• Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
• Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot

2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley

• Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
• Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
• Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish

2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley

• Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
• Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
• Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers

2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley

• A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
• Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
• Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
• Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
• Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience

2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley

• A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
• Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
• Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish

2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island

• A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
• Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice

2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County

• Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
• Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
• Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat

2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley

• Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
• Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
• Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances

2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington

• Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
• Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
• A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley

2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
• Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
• Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now

2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains

• Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
• Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
• Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead

2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
• Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
• A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30

2019 Seavey MerlotNapa Valley

• Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
• Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
• A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential

2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
• Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
• Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries

2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley

• Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
• Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish

2019 Vérité La Muse

• One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
• A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood

Find out more about our experiences.

You may also want to check out our gallery for past events.