“Pieve Gracciano” Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021 (BIO)

Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta | Tuscany
Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta | Via Umbria 59/61 | IT 53045 Montepulciano

29392721 · 0,75 l · 57,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Montepulciano is one of the oldest DOCGs in Italy – since 1966, on a par with Brunello di Montalcino. The fact that the Denominazione is now, after decades, introducing a new top category is not a marketing decision, but the result of long historical research. Twelve Pievi – the rural parishes that have divided the territory since late antiquity – were defined as Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive. Gracciano is one of them. This is no coincidence: the hills south-west of Montepulciano are among the oldest and best-known vineyards in the appellation, and their wine history can be traced back to the early 19th century.

The Cru Toraia forms the centrepiece of this wine. North-eastern exposure, 300 metres, clayey-loamy soil – a parcel that gives the Prugnolo Gentile cooler ripening conditions and finer aromatic contours than the warmer southern sites. 100 per cent Prugnolo Gentile, exclusively own grapes. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts, 20 days of maceration in steel. Then 30 months of ageing: the first twelve in small French tonneaux of five hectolitres, a further six in a 15-hectolitre barrel – no dominant wood, but a framework that creates depth. Twelve months of bottle ageing. A total of 2,600 bottles. That's all Toraia gives away.

Bright ruby red in the glass. The nose is intense, multi-layered and fine: violets, marasca, ripe plums, a hint of tobacco and earth, fine spice in the background. Dry on the palate, with velvety, precise tannins, lively acidity and a final that lingers for a long time – and always remains Gracciano. The first vintage in a new category. And convincing proof that the wait for the top class of Montepulciano was worth it. SUPERIORE.DE

"A very restrained style for this wine. The nose shows licorice, black cherries, fresh plums, violets and a touch of chocolate. Austere tannins that are firm and dusty yet balanced by fruit concentration, with a medium to full body and a refreshing finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Pieve Gracciano slowly evolves in the glass as hints of black tea, dusty earth and wilted violets give way to citrus-tinged blackberries. This is sleek and polished in feel, with ripe red and blue fruit tones guided by fresh acidity, as a touch of licorice saturates toward the close. It finishes long and full of youthful tension, leaving a tart note of cherry and saline minerals framed by edgy tannins." Vinous