Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, also called Nobile, is one of the oldest and most prized wines in Tuscany; in fact it was once the favorite of kings and popes alike and the town of Montepulciano was once the papal city and strategic center for the Medici family. Of late, it has been unfairly overlooked as destination for world-class wine and wine tourism but the region’s plan to make the DOCG Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Italy’s first-ever appellation to be 100% sustainable is getting noticed. With renewed focus on quality and sustainable agriculture to support that quality, this region is reaching for greatness once again.
There are many hard-working family-run wineries dedicated to this purpose, but a select few are leading Montepulciano’s sustainability efforts, inviting tourists to experience everything from their geothermally powered wineries and biodynamic practices to their off-the-grid winemaking and farm-to-fork culinary offerings. Vino Nobile de Montepulciano is on the cusp of re-discovery and now is the time to taste, explore and plan a visit. Here’s where to go now:
Taste & Stay
Poliziano: This tight-knit family run winery has a long-standing dedication to chemical-free viticulture and a reputation for crafting world-class Sangiovese. Winemaker Federico Carletti smiles at all the recent talk of sustainability, “We started with sustainable and organic farming 30 years ago. The land is our bread, our everyday, we can’t mistreat it. I watched vines that were dependent on chemicals die as soon as the chemicals were gone. You really see this when you are in vineyard all day, so this was clear to us decades ago.”
The wines reflect the family’s commitment to regenerative viticulture—they are polished and elegant, bold and rich. Today, visitors can enjoy their beautiful newly minted tasting room, which sits atop their gravity-fed cellar. Vineyard and cellar tours are in-depth and informative, and if you really like it there, consider booking a stay at their gorgeous vineyard Villa “La Fornace”—with five suites and a full gourmet kitchen it can accommodate up to ten people.
Salcheto: This winery is entirely off-the-grid and has an entirely self-sustained, energy-independent cellar that only uses natural lighting. Winemaker Michele Manelli has been prioritizing sustainability and ethical responsibility at the winery since 1984. They specialize in crafting wines made without sulfites, and organic and biodynamic winemaking. Tours take you through the underground cellars and winemaking facility…sometimes by flashlight.
Manelli’s wines are consistent award-winners and for good reason. His wines are expressive, complex and memorable. To accompany your tasting, whether indoors or out on their lovely patio, order a bite from the Enoteca which serves up delights from the winery garden. If you want to fully commit, book a stay at one of their farmhouse suites—the wood-fired hot tub is especially cool.
Cantine Dei: It is probably safe to say that nowhere in the world will you find a winery clad completely in travertine marble—except here. This stunning geothermally controlled winery is built into the surrounding landscape, rimmed by forest, and covered entirely in marble—homage to the family’s first business as travertine suppliers. Owner and winemaker, Catarina Dei explains, “When my father began this project he wanted to be totally integrated into the land, bringing together health, beauty, and sustainability and to build a home for his wine using his family history in stone. We started in 2009 and finished in 2014.” Today, the winery uses no chemicals and has been sustainable for roughly 12 years. During a visit you’ll tour all levels of this architecturally stunning winery, including the marble cellar, geothermal facility, and the sculpture garden. Finish with a tasting and consider booking a stay at one of the apartments in the winery’s Ciarliana Tower, which dates back to the 1500’s
Dine & Taste:
Avignonesi: This historic winery underwent a transformation to biodynamic viticulture over a decade ago and today it is a temple of biodiversity—offering visitors a chance to peek behind the scenes at the workings of biodynamic operation. Start with a walking tour of the biodynamic garden (be sure to look for their saffron), pop into the attic solera where they age their unctuous balsamic vinegar, and then descend into the cellar for a first-hand look at their biodynamic preparations. Don’t miss the vin santo aging barn either, and absolutely book a table at their on-site farm-to-table restaurant, Le Capezzine. Here. You’ll taste firsthand the culmination of chemical-free winemaking and agriculture with four courses paired with Avignonesi wines—all with stunning views over the Tuscan countryside.
Other Sustainable Overnight Options: Relais Il Falconiere & Spa: A family-owned 17th-century home just outside Cortona that prepares Etruscan-inspired Michelin quality cuisine from a solar-powered kitchen. Ingredients are sourced from the resort’s self-sustaining farm and the on-site spa brings in local products as well, including Florence's Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. Book one of the 34 rooms and suites featuring frescoed walls, antique furnishings and handwoven fabrics.
