This week the Wine Thieves head to Tuscany and more specifically to the DOCG of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Italy's first DOCG and "the king of all wines" according to poet Francesco Redi. They foolishly consider rolling an empty barrel 600m up to the top of the medieval hilltop town of Montepulciano (in the "annual Bravio delle Botti"), to take advantage of the sweeping views of the Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana, the latter home to Chianina cattle and source of the legendary Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
In this first of a 3-part series, we speak with president, Andrea Rossi, and vice-presidents, Susanna Crociani and Luca Tiberini, (also all producers) of the Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano to learn of the illustrious history of the region, its traditions that united a community under the sphere of Florentine influence, grape varieties, and soils. Sommelier student alert: we also get a sneak peak at the imminent changes to come from this multi-faceted wine growing region, including a new cru system of sub-zones named after local medieval parishes, defined by elevation, aspect and soils. Pour yourself a glass of this southern-Tuscan sangiovese (aka prugnolo gentile), discover the past, present and future of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and let the heady aromas whisk you away to the historic hillsides of this classic Tuscan hilltop town.
In partnership with the Consorzio Vino Nobile and the Toronto Office of the Italian Trade Commission. A campaign financed according to EU regulation no. 1308/2013