Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

"Montepulciano of every wine is King" — Italy's first-ever DOCG wine, made from Sangiovese known locally as Prugnolo Gentile.

27 January 2018

Poet and naturalist Francesco Redi wrote in the seventeenth century that 'Montepulciano of every wine is King.' Red, full-bodied, and with a strong character, this wine has an ancient history, appreciated for centuries for its quality and unique character.

Nobile di Montepulciano has been produced since ancient times — the Etruscans already made wine here, and the first written record dates to the year 789. The real turning point came in 1937 with the founding of the first cooperative winery, followed by DOC status in 1966 and, in 1980, DOCG status: Montepulciano was the first wine in Italy ever to achieve it.

Wine tasting at Boscarelli winery on a Nobile di Montepulciano wine tour, Italy

The wine is made from Sangiovese — locally called Prugnolo Gentile — at a minimum of 70%, blended with Canaiolo Nero and other authorized varieties. It must age at least two years, with the top-tier Riserva aged a minimum of three years, six months of which in bottle.

Nobile di Montepulciano has a beautiful ruby red color that turns garnet with age, an intense and ethereal scent, and a balanced, dry, persistent taste. It pairs beautifully with roasts, white and red meat, game, and aged cheeses like Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano — best served at 18-20°C after uncorking two hours ahead of time.