Riserva Wines in Montepulciano — 2026 Selection

In Montepulciano, «riserva» refers to a regulated designation of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG : the wine must mature for at least three years, including six months in bottle, while respecting the minimum aging periods in wood. The appellation requires at least 70 % Sangiovese and covers vineyards in the municipal territory located between 250 and 600 meters in altitude, excluding the Valdichiana plain. It is this precise link to the place, between the wine-growing hills and the cellars of the town, that gives context to bottles like Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva D.O.C.G. or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva. Montepulciano stands on the ridge between the Val d'Orcia and the Valdichiana; Pienza, known for its Renaissance center, is about a twenty-minute drive away.

At the table, try it with pici all'aglione, thick pasta served with a garlic sauce typical of the Valdichiana, or with game, another regional pairing. February is an interesting time for enthusiasts: the Vino Nobile Anteprima is held there, around the presentation of new vintages. For a tasting in the cellar, check the visiting arrangements in advance and plan for a driver who won't drink; the historic center is steep, so it's best explored on foot after parking the car.