When driving through Tuscany and spotting winery signposts, look out for the word “degustazione.” This means you can sample the wine produced at that vineyard, and if you like it, buy some bottles. Also, keep an eye out for an enoteca—usually found in town—where you can taste wines from many local estates. Here’s our guide to exploring Montepulciano and enjoying a wine tour.
Montepulciano is a favored wine destination in southern Tuscany. This quaint medieval town sits high above the Chiana Valley, famous for its white cattle and the extinct volcano Monte Poliziano, from which the town takes its name. In this region, the Sangiovese grape variety known as Prognolo Gentile is key to producing the renowned Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
The wine tradition in Montepulciano dates back to medieval times and is linked with historical events. During the conflicts between Siena and Florence, Montepulciano supported the influential Florentine Medici family. As a gesture of gratitude, the Medicis transformed the village into an art center. It’s easy to picture Nobile wine being served to nobles and the wealthy, which helped build its reputation.
In the 16th century, popes Paul II and Sixtus V praised it as the “most perfect wine of Italy.” While it’s unclear if the name comes from its noble clientele or the high-quality grapes, wineries have continued to refine Vino Nobile. It tends to be more full-bodied and higher in alcohol than Chianti, thanks to Montepulciano’s favorable climate. Even so, it doesn’t quite match up to nearby Montalcino’s Brunello.
Vino Nobile is powerful yet fruity, offering a taste that sits between Chianti and Brunello. We sampled three different organic wines at Croce di Febo’s enoteca in Montepulciano’s historic center. Croce di Febo also makes organic olive oil and grappa, and you can arrange tours of their vineyard.
While in town, make sure to visit the Palazzo Comunale, a smaller version of Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. This building has been used as a set for the TV show Medici – Masters of Florence and for scenes in the movie The Twilight Saga: New Moon. The walk up to Piazza Grande and Palazzo Comunale is a bit steep but charming.
We suggest exploring the Citta Sotterranea, an underground city beneath five palaces along Via di Gracciano nel Corso. Enter through Cantina Ercolani and wander through Gothic and Renaissance cellars connected by ancient passages. You’ll find an Etruscan tomb, three small museums with relics of farming, winemaking, and even torture, along with barrels holding aging Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Vin Santo.
This visit is both fun and free, with plenty of chances to buy wine, cheese, truffles, and other Tuscan treats. You can even have your favorite wines shipped directly to you. With so many enotecas and wine bars in Montepulciano’s historic center, you might not want to leave!
Continue your wine tour through Tuscany by discovering Chianti and nearby Montalcino, known for its noble wines like Brunello.
suansuan