Wine description

This wine is produced by vinifying the best grapes from several vineyards owned by the company, located in the Salarco area of the municipality of Montepulciano. The vines are between 10 and 35 years old and grow on Pliocene soils (clay) at an altitude of 350 to 450 meters above sea level, with a southeast exposure.

The grapes used for this wine are Sangiovese (known in Montepulciano as “Prugnolo Gentile”) with small percentages of other native red grapes. The vines are trained along a trellis with spur pruning and a planting density of 4,500 plants per hectare.

After manual harvesting, usually from the third week of September, the harvested grapes are selected and destemmed, and the resulting must is fermented with selected yeasts. This phase takes place in steel and concrete tanks for about 16-19 days at a temperature between 26 and 28°C. At the same time, maceration on the skins also takes place, which lasts as long as fermentation. After draining, the wine is placed in steel tanks or oak barrels, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation. After this phase, the wine is transferred to oak barrels (French and Slavonian) of 8 to 25 hectoliters, where it matures for 24 months. During this period, racking takes place every 6 months. After aging and 2 months of decanting in steel tanks, the wine is bottled for further aging of 6-8 months before being released to the market.

Approximately 40-50,000 bottles of this wine are produced annually, and the best vintages are those of the past 20 years, namely: 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2016. The wine reaches its maturity after 14-18 years from the harvest, and the aging plateau varies between 3 and 12 years.

This winery has been owned by the Contucci family since the 11th century and covers an area of 170 hectares, including 22.5 hectares of vineyards, 7 hectares of olive groves, and 141 hectares of fields and woods. Both the agronomic and oenological aspects are directly taken care of by the owners.

Food pairing

Contucci represents culture, history, and gastronomy. It’s no wonder that Slow Food has included Contucci in its list of the best Vino Nobiles. The Slow Food movement opposes industrial food production, which includes fast food as its prime example. It aims to preserve the cultural or traditional cuisine, including the original use of crops, seeds, animals, and farming methods of a region.

There’s much culinary pleasure to discover in the Montepulciano region. The world-famous Chianina beef, local pasta, game, and authentic vegetables (that have fallen into oblivion) pair perfectly with the local wine. A Bistecca of Chianina with, for example, Agretti or Barba di Frate (crispy thick, grass-like leaves), local flatbread, and a good glass of Vino Nobile are some regional recommendations.

But also, local cheeses from the nearby municipality of Pienza (just a few kilometers from Montepulciano) are delicious in combination with this top wine.

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.

Tuscany

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.