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Duel · Wines · 2 addresses

Rosso di Montepulciano DOC – Antinori or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG – Melini?

Two wines compared criterion by criterion with the editorial rating, the recorded price and the amenities. Verdict written by the code, based on the editorial team's justifications.

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A

Rosso di Montepulciano DOC – Antinori

Antinori · Less than 15 €

7,8
GoodHidden Tuscany Rating
reliability medium

11,53 € 13,98 €

B

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG – Melini

Melini · Under €15

7,6
GoodHidden Tuscany Rating
reliability medium

11,80 € 14,71 €

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The verdict

Rosso di Montepulciano DOC – Antinori and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG – Melini neck and neck

7,8 versus 7,6: the gap is too small to separate them on the overall rating. The choice comes down to the criteria that matter to you, below.

Choose Rosso di Montepulciano DOC – Antinori if…

  • you prioritise reconnaissance (7,6 vs 6,3) : Two named distinctions: 2 stars Veronelli and 90 Wine Spectator, with a renowned producer (Antinori, origins 1385): above a simple mention.
  • you prioritise rapport qualité/prix (8,2 vs 7,8) : At €11.53 (crossed-out price €13.98) for a Rosso di Montepulciano from Antinori and distinguished, the price remains moderate for this rank.
  • your budget matters: from €12 / btl, the lowest price in the head-to-head

Its weak point in this head-to-head: typicité & terroir (7,8). Rosso di Montepulciano DOC appellation and the Montepulciano area named, Sangiovese (Prugneto Gentile) consistent; ruby color and red fruit notes, cherry and flowers match.

Choose Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG – Melini if…

  • you prioritise typicité & terroir (8,3 vs 7,8) : Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Sangiovese called Prugnolo Gentile, Montepulciano zone named: appellation and grape well anchored in their terroir.
  • you prioritise polyvalence à table (7,9 vs 7,4) : Precise pairings (carni rosse, selvaggina, formaggi stagionati), profile of red fruit, spices, balsamic notes and service at 16-18 °C: good potential at the table.
  • you care about sangiovese et prugnolo: amenities that only this listing mentions

Its weak point in this head-to-head: reconnaissance (6,3). No distinction or guide mentioned; the producer Melini is only described as a historic cellar. A note of reservation, without any documented defect.

Reliability medium : ratings based on the file of each listing, not on a stay by our team · Ratings of the 20 October 2026 · Our rating method

Tosco's word

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG by Melini wins on typicity with its score of 8.3 for a DOCG appellation and a minimum two-year aging, which makes it ideal if you're looking for a bold terroir red to pair with red meats and game. The Rosso di Montepulciano by Antinori, meanwhile, stands out for its recognition (2 Veronelli stars, 90 Wine Spectator) and a value-for-money score of 8.2, perfect for discovering the house's style with everyday pairings such as grilled meats. For a dinner where the wine is the star, choose Melini; for a less formal table with a sure bet and awards, Antinori is the pick.

Tosco only cites facts from this head-to-head: ratings, criteria, prices, amenities. Text calculated once, checked by the code.

Criterion by criterion

The 5 criteria of the score

Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Vino Nobile di Montepulciano…
TypicityRecognitionValueVersatilityProducer
Typicity & terroir25 %editorial
7,8
8,3
Why these ratings?

Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Rosso di Montepulciano DOC appellation and the Montepulciano area named, Sangiovese (Prugneto Gentile) consistent; ruby color and red fruit notes, cherry and flowers match.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano…Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Sangiovese called Prugnolo Gentile, Montepulciano zone named: appellation and grape well anchored in their terroir.

Recognition20 %editorial
7,6
6,3
Why these ratings?

Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Two named distinctions: 2 stars Veronelli and 90 Wine Spectator, with a renowned producer (Antinori, origins 1385): above a simple mention.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano…No distinction or guide mentioned; the producer Melini is only described as a historic cellar. A note of reservation, without any documented defect.

Value for money25 %editorial
8,2
7,8
Why these ratings?

Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…At €11.53 (crossed-out price €13.98) for a Rosso di Montepulciano from Antinori and distinguished, the price remains moderate for this rank.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano…At €11.80 for a Vino Nobile DOCG aged at least 2 years, with crossed-out price of €14.71, the position seems moderate for the appellation.

Versatility at the table15 %editorial
7,4
7,9
Why these ratings?

Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Precise pairings (grilled red meats, salumi, aged cheeses), detailed aromatic profile and service at 16-18 °C; nothing on aging potential.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano…Precise pairings (carni rosse, selvaggina, formaggi stagionati), profile of red fruit, spices, balsamic notes and service at 16-18 °C: good potential at the table.

Producer & winemaking15 %editorial
7,7
7,6
Why these ratings?

Rosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Antinori estate named and located in Montepulciano, steel vinification with skin maceration and aging of 6 to 12 months specified; organic not mentioned.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano…Melini named and located in Montepulciano, fermentation in steel, wood aging and minimum duration of 2 years: aging practices specified.

Features

Price, estate, grape variety, vintage

What is written on the listing. “Not specified” is not “no”.

CriterionRosso di Montepulciano DOC –…Vino Nobile di Montepulciano…
Recorded price11,53 € 13,98 €11,80 € 14,71 €
Price per 75 cl11,53 €11,80 €
EstateAntinoriMelini
Traveller ratingnot specifiednot specified
Reliability of our scoremediummedium
ColorRedRed
AreaMontepulcianoMontepulciano
PriceUnder €15Under €15
Grape varietySangiovesenot specified
Vintage20232023
EstateAntinoriMelini
Bottle or gift boxWinesWines
Sangiovesenot specified Yes
Prugnolonot specified Yes
7,8
Rosso di Montepulciano DOC – Antinorifrom €12 / btl
See the offer out of Bottle of Italy
7,6
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG – Melinifrom €12 / btl
See the offer out of Bottle of Italy

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