D’Amato & Szabo: Wine Thieves – Episode 23: Sangiovese: A Reflection of Terroir in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

The Wine Thieves get their hands dirty with a star quartet of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano producers to learn why and how soil matters most to sangiovese, more than any other production parameter. Weighing in from their estates in Montepulciano are: Andrea Lonardi of Tenuta Tre Rose, Luca Tiberini of Tiberini, Luca Corrado of Boscarelli and Antonio Zaccheo of Carpineto. Sangiovese can be delicate! It can also be hearty, tannic, high acid, soft and approachable. A chameleon that is impressively reflective of terroir, we draw inevitable comparisons between Italy’s most famous grape and another equally transparent one: pinot noir. We also learn to chill out, as stress is bad for everyone, including sangiovese. 

 

Momentum towards more sustainable production is underway with 68% of producers on board with new sustainable approaches to viticulture and winemaking in the Vino Nobile production region. Also on the round table: the future of “international” grape varieties, new production standards for Vino Nobile with sub-zones, Vin Santo as a natural wine, and, is subregional labelling important?  

 

Don’t miss this episode on the extraordinary wines of Montepulciano featuring John’s insights on Rosso di Montepulciano as a must-have aperitivo and Sara’s musings on the transcendental nature of the mother “madre” yeast.