Wine description

Introducing San Claudio II, a D.O.C.G. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine that is as rich in history as it is in flavor. Named after the old winery built in 1958, this wine is a tribute to the time-honored traditions of wine making. The vineyard is exposed to the north-west, and the vines are planted at a density of 5,000 per hectare, with a yield of 80 quintiles per hectare.

The blend is composed of 85% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), 10% Canaiolo Nero, and 5% Mammolo grape varieties. The wine is carefully crafted through a meticulous vinification process, which involves destemming and soft pressing of the grapes, followed by an alcoholic fermentation and maceration on the grapeskins for 30-35 days in a controlled temperature. During this time, the wine undergoes “rimontaggi” and “follature” over the hat of grapes, resulting in a deep, persistent bouquet with notes of violets, plum, and spices.

The wine then undergoes spontaneous malolactic fermentation with frequent batonnage for 15 days before being transferred to large oak casks. After 6 months in stainless steel containers, it is aged for 24 months in large casks of Slavonian oak and another 8 months in the bottle.

The resulting wine is a ruby-red color tending to garnet with aging. Its round and velvety taste is balanced perfectly with tannins that caress the palate. To serve, it is recommended to open the bottle at least one hour before serving and to enjoy it at a temperature of 18-20 °C.

Foodpairing

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a full-bodied red wine made from the Sangiovese grape in Tuscany, Italy. Its powerful flavor profile makes it a great pairing with hearty meat dishes.

For a classic Tuscan pairing, try serving Vino Nobile with a dish of pasta and rich meat sauce. The wine’s tannin structure and acidity complement the savory flavors of the sauce and pasta, while the fruitiness of the wine provides a contrast to the dish’s saltiness.

For a more adventurous pairing, consider serving Vino Nobile with game meat such as deer or wild boar. The bold flavors and tannin structure of the wine can stand up to the rich and wild flavors of these meats.

If you want to serve Vino Nobile with a grilled or roasted meat dish, opt for a hearty cut such as steak or ribeye. The wine’s tannins and acidity can cut through the richness of the meat, while the fruitiness can provide a nice contrast to the smoky flavors of the grill.

Lastly, for a cheese pairing, consider serving Vino Nobile with a selection of aged, hard cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano. The wine’s bold flavors and tannin structure can complement the nutty and salty flavors of these cheeses, while the acidity can cut through their richness.

The winery

Cantina Del Giusto is a small farmhouse situated at the base of Montepulciano in the Acquaviva region. The Del Giusto family, who have been producing wine and olive oil in the Montepulciano area for three generations, manage the farm and handle production and marketing themselves. The family’s history dates back to around 1930 when Giulio Del Giusto began making wine in the cellars of old mansions. Despite the Second World War, he continued producing wine and later started producing it on his family farm in 1950. He passed on his knowledge to his son Piero, who, along with his wife Luisa, opened a larger farm in 1995 to share his passion for wine. In 1997, they inaugurated the aging cellar, followed by the new wine cellar in 2005. Piero Del Giusto passed on his wealth of experience, love, and passion for his country to his grandson in 2012.

The wine cellar, which was inaugurated in 2005, houses stainless steel containers with automatic “rimontaggi” that pump wine over the grape skins, temperature control that allows long fermentations at low temperatures, a variable pressure pneumatic press, and other non-invasive technologies that enable the grapes to release all their potential.

The aging cellar contains large and small wooden barrels necessary for aging and nurturing the wine for many years. The large barrels give tannins to the wine with the elegance and finesse of old wood, while the small barrels provide stronger tannins. The family finds the perfect balance each year before bottling, using the best selections of Italian and French oak.

The vineyards are situated in the Fontegrande and Fontedoccia areas. Fontegrande is located in the lower area of the village with rows that have an east-west orientation and are northwest-facing. The ground slope is minimal, and the soil is clay-loam with a good presence of crushed stone. After some excavations, historical artifacts from the Roman era of an ancient Roman spa were found near the vineyards. Fontedoccia is located in the higher area of the village with rows that have an east-west orientation and a particular northwest orientation. The slope is around 4%.

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, complemented with other grapes such as Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The 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 are a lover 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.