There are wines that have a lot to tell. Among them, the wines of Montepulciano, a splendid medieval village located between the charming Val d'Orcia and the enchanting Val di Chiana in Tuscany: tasting a Rosso or a Nobile di Montepulciano is an experience that goes beyond simply sipping a glass. It's a journey that involves all the senses and leads to the discovery of a territory rich in history and passionate winemaking tradition.
If you want to indulge in a wine tasting of Montepulciano wines, renowned for their aromatic complexity and great structure, come with us to discover the characteristics of these labels and, above all, where you can taste them!
Denomination of Montepulciano's wines
You are passing through Tuscany and, after visiting Montepulciano and admiring its landscape that seems to come straight out of a painting by Piero della Francesca, you have decided to treat yourself to a wine tasting of its wines. This village is famous worldwide not only for its historical, artistic, and architectural heritage but also and above all for its winemaking. Here, the combination of pedoclimatic environment, winemaking style, and typical elements of the terroir has over the years contributed to the uniqueness of the wine denominations, the renowned Nobile di Montepulciano and the Rosso. Let's get to know them better and discover their characteristics!
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Let's start with the 'prince' of wines: the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. It is the first wine in Italy to receive the D.O.C.G. denomination, along with the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino, and it is exclusively produced in the town of Montepulciano, from vineyards situated between 250 and 600 meters above sea level. It has ancient origins, dating back to the Etruscan period. Its distinguishing features include the ruby red color, along with the perception of black fruits and cherry on the nose, which accompany the palate with delicate spicy notes. We are facing an important wine, with great structure, a full-bodied flavor, and a noticeable tannic component, mainly produced with Sangiovese grapes, particularly those of the highly esteemed Prugnolo Gentile variety.
Vino Rosso di Montepulciano
Not to be underestimated are the potentialities encapsulated in the Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, recognizable by its lively and intense red color. The aromas are also intense, with a bouquet that releases fruity and floral notes, while the taste is well-balanced, elegant, with a slight initial tannic note. Like the Nobile, its origins are ancient, and the grape variety used is always Prugnolo Gentile, which gives the wine an excellent aging ability and a great body, fullness of taste, and elegance.
Wine Tasting of Montepulciano wines: all steps
But how do you taste Montepulciano wines? It's a real exploratory journey that engages the senses, from sight to smell, and of course, to taste. Through this experience, anyone can approach a rich and complex world by beginning to identify unique scents, aromas, and flavors, while also learning some fundamental technical terms that pinpoint certain aspects or characteristics of the wine.
Let's look at some fundamental steps of a tasting journey.
Observation: the first sense involved is sight; it starts with observing the wine in the glass, evaluating its color and intensity, clarity, consistency, and any effervescence. But not only that: by swirling the glass to coat its walls, it's possible to analyze the "heaviness" and "lightness" of the wine based on the persistence of the wine's arches and the speed at which they descend.
Smell: Every wine is different, especially in terms of aroma; therefore, one proceeds to sniff the wine to capture its aromas, which can range from fruity notes to more complex hints of spices and herbs.
Taste: This is undoubtedly the most anticipated moment, the one where you can finally taste the wine to assess its flavor, structure, and the balance between sweetness, acidity, and tannins, discovering all the hidden nuances that gradually reveal themselves.
Finish: It concludes with evaluating the aromatic persistence and the aftertaste of the wine, another fundamental aspect.
Where to do a wine tasting in Montepulciano?
As you may have gathered, wine is one of the most precious treasures of Montepulciano. That's why, both in the city and in the countryside, you'll find numerous wineries and wine estates where you can taste excellent wines and have a tasting experience. Among the many options, there's naturally also Fattoria del Cerro, located in the Acquaviva area, not far from the village. It is the largest private producer of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: its size and the variety of exposure of its vineyards allow for the selection of only the best grapes for the production of this wine, depending on the vintage.
How much does a wine tasting typically cost?
The cost of a wine tasting in Montepulciano varies depending on the winery and the offered experience. Without delving into specific prices, you can find a wide range of options ranging from 'basic' tastings to more refined and exclusive ones, with prices that may vary based on the number of wines tasted and the presence of additional services, typically ranging from € 20 to € 90. Fattoria del Cerro offers a tasting experience of four premium wines from the estate, including the Nobile di Montepulciano, directly in the cellar, accompanied by a platter of locally sourced cured meats and pecorino cheeses, as well as a tasting of the estate's olive oil, another great treasure of the company. It's an unmissable opportunity to discover all the goodness that these beautiful hills have to offer.
Wineries in Montepulciano with accommodation: an experience that combines taste and relaxation
For those wishing to extend their gastronomic experience, many wineries and estates in Montepulciano and its surroundings also offer the possibility of overnight stays on their properties. This option allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of the Tuscan countryside and to fully enjoy the scenic beauty and, of course, the local flavors. Among the wineries offering accommodation, Fattoria del Cerro is an excellent starting point for visiting Montepulciano and discovering the oenological treasure it holds. Here, wine is produced not only in the 'Riserva DOCG' version but also in the 'Silìneo' and 'Antica Chiusina' variants, which have received prestigious awards and accolades, for an exclusive and highly esteemed experience.
After the tasting and cellar tour, visitors can savor the flavors of Tuscan cuisine through dishes prepared by the chef of Villa Grazianella and, above all, stay in the elegant Relais. Eleven rooms with views of the estate, perfect for a night of rest before setting off to explore the splendid valley
A wine tasting in Montepulciano is therefore an experience not to be missed for all lovers of good wine and gastronomic culture. With a variety of wineries to explore and the possibility of enhancing the experience with an overnight stay, Montepulciano confirms itself as an ideal destination for a journey of taste and relaxation. And Fattoria del Cerro is ready to welcome you!
