Taste the Essence of Montepulciano
Let’s clear something up right away—this is not Montepulciano the grape. This is Montepulciano the place. A distinction that, let’s be honest, has bewildered many an American wine drinker. But trust me, once you’ve had a glass of the 2020 Cantine Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, you’ll never confuse the two again.
This is Sangiovese in its most noble form—hence the name. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is the pride of Tuscany, the wine that has graced tables for centuries, long before Super Tuscans came along demanding all the attention. And in 2020, nature gave us a vintage worth talking about. A warm spring, a replenishing rainy June, and a September full of drama (storms! sunshine! suspense!) all led to a wine of remarkable balance. It’s got structure, it’s got elegance, and it’s got just the right bite of acidity to keep things lively.
In the glass, it’s a feast for the senses—brilliant ruby red with hints of garnet as it ages. The aromas are rich with ripe cherries, plums, and violets, and on the palate, you’ll find velvety tannins keeping everything in check. Aged for 24 months (18 of those in grand Slavonian oak casks), this wine is as complex as it is drinkable. And with an aging potential of 10-15 years, it’s only going to get better.
Cantine Dei has been perfecting the art of Vino Nobile since 1985, though the family’s roots in Montepulciano run much deeper. Their estate, "La Ciarliana," sits at 1000 feet above sea level on a mix of clay and tuff soils—prime real estate for growing powerful yet graceful Sangiovese. And just to add a little flair, their cellar is a marvel of architecture, a travertine masterpiece designed to honor both their wine and their deep ties to the land.
If you’re looking for a wine that embodies tradition, place, and pure Italian craftsmanship, this is it. So, let’s raise a glass—to Montepulciano, the place, and to never confusing it with Montepulciano, the grape, again. Salute!
