Long before its neighbors became famous, Vino Nobile was the toast of popes and presidents, the original "noble wine" of Tuscany. For our Discovery Series, we sought a bottle that lives up to that history—a wine of true Tuscan nobility. We looked for an expression that delivers the classic dusty red fruit and sandalwood notes that define this historic appellation. This is a wine of elegance, structure, and incredible value.
Our buyers taste thousands of wines a year. Here's why this one made the cut for our Discovery Series.
K&L Italian Buyer
"This wine comes from one of the benchmark estates in Montepulciano, a pioneer of biodynamic farming with a reputation for producing elegant, pure, and age-worthy Sangiovese. For this bottling, we were able to secure a few barrels from the generous 2020 vintage. The nose is a stunning expression of Prugnolo Gentile: ripe red cherry, plum, and violet, with the sweet spice and vibrant energy that is a hallmark of this iconic producer. The palate is polished and seamless, with silky tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. It’s a sophisticated and deeply authentic Vino Nobile."
Perched on a limestone ridge between the Val di Chiana and the Val d'Orcia, the terroir of Montepulciano is unique. Unlike the rocky 'galestro' of Chianti or the heavier clays of parts of Montalcino, the soils here are rich in sand and clay. This combination gives the wines a special balance.
The sand provides aromatic elegance and finesse, while the clay lends structure and body. The elevation of the vineyards, typically between 250 and 600 meters, ensures a wide diurnal temperature shift, preserving the grape's acidity and developing a complex, savory profile that is the signature of Vino Nobile.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is one of Italy's most historic wines, with a legacy stretching back centuries. It was praised by poets in the 17th century as "the king of all wines" and was a favorite among the local aristocracy, which earned it the name "noble wine."
In 1980, it was awarded the very first DOCG classification in Italy, a testament to its enduring prestige and quality. While other Tuscan wines have risen in fame, Vino Nobile remains a benchmark of tradition and a cornerstone of Italian wine history.
Sangiovese is the soul of central Italy. Its name derives from the Latin "sanguis Jovis," meaning "the blood of Jupiter," hinting at its ancient origins. The grape is a chameleon, changing its expression based on where it's grown.
In Montepulciano, the local clone is called Prugnolo Gentile. It is known for producing wines that are slightly softer and more aromatic than their neighbors, with characteristic notes of plum, cherry, and dusty earth that define the unique character of Vino Nobile.
This Nobile di Montepulciano is just one chapter in our Discovery Series. Each bottle is a story—a place, a person, and a flavor we believe in. Explore the full series, or dive deeper into the world of Bordeaux.