Wine description

This wine is produced by vinifying grapes from several vineyards owned by the company located in Salarco, in the municipality of Montepulciano. The vineyards have vines ranging from 7 to 20 years old and grow on pliocene soils (clay) at an altitude of 300 to 400 meters above sea level, with a southeast exposure.

The grapes used are Sangiovese (known as “Prugnolo Gentile” in Montepulciano) with small percentages of other indigenous red grapes. The vines are trained in a Cordone Speronato system with a planting density of 4,000 vines per hectare.

After harvesting, usually from the first decade of October, the grapes are destemmed and the juice is fermented with selected yeasts in steel and cement tanks. Fermentation lasts about 12 days at a temperature of 26 to 28°C. At the same time, maceration on the skins is carried out for the same period, with daily pumping over. After racking, the wine is transferred to steel tanks where malolactic fermentation takes place. The wine is then aged for 8 months in French oak barrels of 10 to 25 Hl. After 2 months of decanting in steel tanks, the wine is bottled and refined for another 2-3 months before being released on the market.

Production is approximately 18/20,000 bottles and the company, owned by the Contucci family since the 11th century, covers an area of 170 hectares, of which 22.5 hectares are vineyards, 7 hectares are olive groves, and 141 hectares are fields and woods. The agronomic and oenological aspects are directly managed by the owners.

Food pairing

Rosso di Montepulciano is a beautiful red wine from Tuscany, Italy. It is a medium-bodied wine with a ruby red color and aromas of red berries, cherries, and spices. In the mouth, it has a balanced acidity and soft tannins, making it ideal to pair with Slow Food dishes.

One delicious Slow Food dish to serve with Rosso di Montepulciano is pappardelle with wild boar ragout. The savory taste of the wild boar ragout perfectly complements the rich, fruity flavor of the wine. Other Slow Food dishes that pair well with Rosso di Montepulciano are grilled Florentine steak and ribollita, a Tuscan soup made with bread, vegetables, and beans.

In summary, Rosso di Montepulciano is a delicious wine to enjoy with Slow Food dishes and pairs perfectly with pappardelle with wild boar ragout, grilled Florentine steak, and ribollita. Cheers to a delicious meal!

The Winery

Contucci is a winery with a rich history dating back to the year 1000. In the 14th century, the Contucci family members were already one of the most prominent families in Montepulciano. The winery boasts a beautiful salon adorned with frescoes from 1702 by the famous Andrea Pozzo, and the family is represented by a coat of arms featuring an upright unicorn on a blue field, symbolizing pride and truth.

Throughout the centuries, family members have held various important positions, including Gonfalonieri, a position granted only to distinguished families and accompanied by high costs. Some family members were also active as scholars and artists, such as Giulio Contuccio, a doctor of civil and canon law at the University of Pisa and one of the founders of the Colonia Arcadica of Montepulciano.

In the 19th century, the family produced Giuseppe Contucci as one of the first “Vino Nobile” wines and constantly strived for quality and innovation in wine production. Today, the Contucci family continues this tradition by continuing to improve their wines and enjoying a reputation as excellent winemakers.

Toscane

Tuscany is a region in Italy known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture and history, and culinary traditions. But Tuscany is also one of the most important wine regions in the world, with some of the most prestigious wines out there.

In the rolling hills of Tuscany, you’ll find the vineyards of Chianti, where the famous Chianti Classico is produced. This wine has a robust flavor and is made from the Sangiovese grape, supplemented with other grapes such as Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are also world-famous wines produced in Tuscany.

In addition to red wines, Tuscany also has a delicious white wine, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano. This wine is produced in the hills around the medieval town of San Gimignano and has a fresh and mineral taste.

Tuscany is also home to the Super Tuscan wines, which are produced in the Bolgheri area on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. These wines are often made from a combination of grape varieties such as Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

Whether you’re a fan of red or white wine, Tuscany has something for everyone. Combine a visit to the historic cities and beautiful landscapes of Tuscany with a wine tasting at one of the many vineyards in the region. Discover the flavors and aromas of the different wines and enjoy the culinary delights of the region.

Explore Tuscany and its wines and taste the passion and tradition of this beautiful wine region in Italy.