Tuscany, Italy
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC
Rosso di Montepulciano is a DOC for red wines based on the Sangiovese grape located in Tuscany, central Italy. It is the junior appellation associated with the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. Generally this wine (like its neighbor Rosso di Montalcino and its relation to Brunello di Montalcino) is an easier-drinking, fresher and fruitier version of the senior wine, though it is shorter lived. Amendments made to the regulations in 1999 really led to the Rosso di Montepulicano wine style which exists today. Regulations now allow the Rosso to be made in the same area of production around the town of Montepulciano and from similar grape varieties as its better-known sibling.
There are two slight differences between the two siblings: yields tend to be a little higher for the Rosso, which is allowed 7,000 liters per hectare compared to Vino Nobile’s 5,600 liters per hectare and the DOC wine is also released much earlier than its brother, only requiring six instead of 24 months of ageing.
Ruby in the glass with slight purple hues. The nose is enticing with red fruit, violets and herbal aromatics. This wine is young and bright with red fruit, floral notes and a slight herbaceousness. Incredibly fresh with inherent Sangiovese acidity. Pair with a seared tenderloin and mushroom pan sauce, lamb chops with a fruity sauce, braised veal dishes, chicken cacciatore or a plate of mixed charcuterie and mild cheeses.