Vino Nobile

Cabernet Sauvignon, Colorino, Canaiolo, Mammolo, Merlot, Syrah and – surprisingly for Tuscany, but all the more compelling – Sauvignon blanc: a whole palette of grape varieties thrive at our winery in Tuscany. But Rudi Bindella’s great love is for Sangiovese, which has characterised the region around Montepulciano for centuries. This local speciality is traditionally used to make Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in its most beautiful form.

Around Montepulciano, the red Sangiovese grape is often referred to as «Prugnolo gentile». A little correction is needed first, though. Just because people often say it, this doesn't make it true: Prugnolo gentile is not a Sangiovese clone!

Tenuta Vallocaia director Giovanni Capuano explains its origins for winery visitors below: Prugnolo gentile is Sangiovese as it developed after centuries of cultivation in and around Montepulciano. Vines used to be propagated on site by cultivating plants from pre-existing vines in new plots. This process is called «massal selection». Because all plants adapt to their specific climatic and regional conditions over time, the biotype Prugnolo gentile came into existence, which is genetically identical to Sangiovese.

After this rather dry bit of trivia – dry in comparison to the end product, that is – here’s a more pleasurable detail: the sandy soils at Vallocaia lend our Nobile wines their highly expressive floral notes, making for a particularly tempting treat. Try it yourself!