The home to one of my favorite wines in the entire world is in the heart of Tuscany, in the Province of Siena around the town of Montepulciano.  Located close to both Chianti Classico zone of production as well as the hills of Montalcino, famous for their Brunello.

The first thing to get out the way, is that this has nothing to do with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.  That wine is based on the grape with the name of Montepulciano, not the town named Montepulciano.   The grapes that grow around the town, in Tuscany make up the blend of Vino Nobile.  And the main grape is Sangiovese, known locally as Prugnolo Gentile.  And the final blend must contain at least 70% of it; and a maximum of 30% combined other red AND white authorized grapes of Tuscany.  In the 1980’s after being declared one of the first DOCGs in Italy winemakers mainly blended in Canaiolo, Mammolo, Trebbiano, and even Gamay.  But today most versions are 100% Prugnolo Gentile.

It’s noble name can trace its roots back to Pope Paul III who’s cellarmaster in 1549 declared the wines coming from here “perfect”.    Vino Nobile sits between chianti classico and brunello di montalcino, combining the elegance of the first with the firm structure of the latter.  While it is definitely age worthy, and will benefit greatly from some bottle age, the younger versions of it are highly drinkable and pleasant with a variety of foods.   The wines can be deep and dark and rich, as well as have a fair amount of tannin.  This is why most bottlings see at least some oak usage prior to mellow them out.  These wines are a distinguished Italian classic; vibrant, fresh, and exquisitely tasty, Nobile truly goes with everything!!!!