The climatic and geological features of Montepulciano land used
specifically for winegrowing determine the quality of the wine produced
there.
The vineyards are mainly east-facing. The best lands are the well-aspected
vineyards in Caggiole, Sanguineto,
Gracciano and Cervognano,
where the clay is mixed with sand. The wines produced here are almost
always suitable for long ageing periods.
The vineyards cover a total surface area of 670 hectares producing
27,000 hl of wine suitable to become “Vino Nobile”.
The main variety used is Prugnolo Gentile,
a clonal section ofSangiovese
Grosso (50-70%), a grape used in all red Tuscan wines. Other
varieties used areCanaiolo
nero (10-20%), Malvasia del Chianti
and Trebbiano Toscano (10-20%);
limited quantities of Pulcinculo
(Grechetto Bianco) and Mammolomay also be added (5%).
The grapes are very carefully selected during the harvest: only
the most suitable are used for “Vino Nobile”.
The others are used for “Rosso di Montepulciano”
or table wines.
The wine must be aged for at least two years in oak or chestnut
wood barrels before DOCG analysis and subsequent bottling. After
three years’ ageing it can be called “Riserva”.