The Grand Tuscan Wine Adventure: Unearthing the Hidden Jewel of Montepulciano
I’d always heard whispers of a rare and elusive Montepulciano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, made from the Tempranillo grape and steeped in mystery and tradition. So I set out to learn its secrets for myself.
As I landed in Rome and boarded the train to Florence, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The route from Rome to Florence is filled with picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and verdant vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. The train sped through the countryside, passing ancient ruins, charming villages, and bustling towns. As we approached Florence, the city came into view, a breathtaking masterpiece of medieval and Renaissance architecture.
I traveled to the renowned Ante Prima event, which was held in the old Florence Train Station, as soon as I arrived in Florence. The station was buzzing with activity as hundreds of regional wineries displayed their most recent vinifications, filling the air with the heady aroma of fermented grapes. As buyers, restaurant owners, and wine critics mingled and sampled the various wines on offer, the crowds were thick and the energy was high. I mixed with the crowds and tasted the various wines as I made my way through them, but my focus was on something much more elusive: the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
I knew that the real treasure I was looking for was somewhere in Montepulciano, a small town south of Florence. So, I got on the train to go to Montepulciano and started my trip. As I stepped off the train, I could see the small town. It was a charming medieval town nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Ancient stone buildings lined the streets, and the air smelled strongly of freshly baked bread and rich, savory sauces.
As I walked through the winding streets, I felt like I had been taken back in time. The town was full of history and culture, and I was struck by the sense of tradition and authenticity that permeated every aspect of life here. I took in the sights and sounds of the town, admiring the beautiful churches and palaces and trying out the local food at Osteria Le Logge, a restaurant known for its traditional Tuscan dishes.
I couldn’t help but feel a sense of mystery and intrigue as I explored the town. I’d heard about a small vineyard that makes a special wine, a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano made from an exclusive and unique grape, Tempranillo. This grape was said to have been planted 150 years ago by a Spanish monk and to thrive in the unique soils of Montepulciano.
My search for this elusive vineyard and its purveyor was an exciting journey of discovery. I went to the Hotel Ilaria, which is well-known for its excellent location, history, and reputation. I couldn’t help but feel excited and anticipatory as I settled into my room and freshened up for what was to come.
The following day, I went to the much smaller and more intimate Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Ante Prima, which was held in a rustic and charming building surrounded by views of rolling hills and verdant vineyards. The crowds were smaller and more intimate, with only a few buyers, restaurateurs, and wine critics present. I mingled my way through the event, sampling different wines and looking for leads on the elusive Tempranillo Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
It was there that I met a small and unassuming wine merchant who directed me to a small purveyor, Enoteca Molesini, who nodded knowingly when I inquired about the special wine. “You’re looking for the Italian Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tempranillo,” he explained. “I know exactly who you need to speak with. He’ll meet you in Cortona tomorrow. Ask for Paolo. He will put you in touch with the wine’s source.”
With this new lead, I set out for Cortona, eager to finally learn the secrets of the elusive Tempranillo Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The drive to Cortona was filled with winding roads and picturesque scenery, and as I approached the historic town, I could feel myself getting closer to my destination. I arrived at the small unassuming store, asked around for Paolo, and was eventually gave me an address hidden somewhere in the Tuscan countryside.
Paolo set me off to a small vineyard on the outskirts of Cortona, Tenuta San Miniato. As I approached, I could sense that this was the place. The vines were lush and verdant, and the air was thick with the rich aroma of fermented grapes. We were greeted by the owner of the vineyard, a quiet and matured character but still with a twinkle in his eye and a passion for his craft that was palpable. As we sat down to exchange formalities, he introduced himself as Giovanni and proceeded to tell me fascinating tales about the vineyard’s past and the Tempranillo grapes’ elusive qualities.
Giovanni told me about how he discovered the historical presence of the famous Spanish grape Tempranillo on the land of San Miniato, and how he worked to fully understand its peculiarities and potential to produce a one-of-a-kind wine that was its most authentic and sincere expression. He described how the vines were planted on a small area of sandstone with significant intrusion of Pliocene marine fossil formations, which were well-integrated with abundant and compact white clay, providing a high mineral complexity and PH. This produces a wine that is creamy, supple, and easy to drink, with silky and elegant tannins.
As I sipped the wine, I couldn’t help but be impressed by its complexity and depth of flavor. The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tempranillo is a wine with exceptional complexity and depth. It has a bouquet of red and black fruits on the nose, with notes of plum, black cherry, and black currant, as well as subtle vanilla and spice undertones. The Tempranillo grape adds a unique twist to the wine, with hints of leather, tobacco, and dark chocolate.
The wine is full-bodied and rich on the palate, with a perfect balance of acidity and tannins. The Sangiovese grape adds structure, while the Tempranillo grape adds smoothness and silkiness. The wine is a perfect representation of Montepulciano’s terroir, with a high mineral complexity and a high PH, resulting in a wine that is creamy, supple, and easy to drink.
The wine reveals layers of complexity as it opens up in the glass, with notes of black pepper, licorice, and a hint of earthiness. The finish is long and elegant, with a lingering hint of dark chocolate on the palate. The wine goes well with hearty Tuscan dishes like wild boar ragù or roasted rack of lamb.
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tempranillo is a true representation of the art of winemaking and the unique terroir of Montepulciano, a true hidden gem of Tuscany.
I couldn’t help but feel blessed as I continued to enjoy this special wine with Giovanni. The journey to discover this hidden gem was not easy, but it was well worth it. I was fortunate to be one of the few people in the world to have tasted and shared this wine with others.
I knew this wine would be a perfect addition to my catalog, a true representation of the luxury one-of-a-kind items for which I am known. As I sipped the wine, savoring every last drop of its complexity and depth, I realized that this was a journey I would cherish for the rest of my life. A journey that was about more than just finding a rare wine; it was also about discovering Tuscany’s beauty, history, and culture.
From the rolling hills of Montepulciano to the charming streets of Cortona, this journey was an adventure that I will remember for the rest of my life. And as I raise my glass to the Tenuta San Miniato’s purveyor, I know that this is just the beginning of many more grand adventures to come.
Exploring the World with J. Abernathy
Welcome, dear friends, to “Exploring the World with J. Abernathy.” I, J. Abernathy, a Scottish-born adventurer and curator of the unique and extraordinary, invite you to join me on a journey through the most captivating tales from my travels across the globe. From the ancient Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia to the vibrant markets of Marrakech, I have experienced firsthand the most fascinating cultures and traditions the world has to offer.
As a lover of adventure and the unknown, I have scoured the world in search of the most intriguing stories and cultural treasures to share with you. From the hand-crafted pottery of Morocco to the colorful textiles of Guatemala, I have personally chosen each item and tale to impart the spirit of these far-off lands to you, even though you may not be able to join me in person on these exotic journeys.
So come along with me, dear friends, as we explore the wonders of the world through the lens of “Exploring the World with J. Abernathy.” Let this podcast be your virtual passport to the most extraordinary stories and cultural treasures from around the globe. I can’t wait to share these captivating tales with you.
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