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HISTORY AND PIEVE

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HISTORY AND PIEVE

The production of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is deeply intertwined with the rich and complex land from which it originates: Montepulciano. Once a shining jewel of the Tuscan Renaissance, this historic town lies in the heart of Tuscany, nestled between the picturesque valleys of Valdichiana and Val d’Orcia.

In this region, steeped in art and culture, winemaking has been a cherished tradition for centuries—dating back to the Roman Empire, when Montepulciano’s wines were already highly prized.

1350

As early as 1350, Montepulciano wine was mentioned in official documents regarding trade and export. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it earned high praise from Sante Lancerio, cellarman to Pope Paul III Farnese, and from the poet Francesco Redi, who famously celebrated its excellence in 1685.

1350

1803 and 1806

In 1803 and 1806, U.S. President Thomas Jefferson ordered over 400 bottles of Montepulciano’s Sangiovese wine. Decades later, at the International Wine Exposition in Vienna, a British royal enologist lamented that only one Montepulciano wine was on offer—counting it among his absolute favorites.

1803 and 1806

1966

In 1966, the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was founded, and that same year, the wine became the first in Italy to be granted Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status. Fourteen years later, in 1980, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano became the first Italian wine to earn the prestigious Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG).

1966

Most recently, 12 zones or Additional Geographic Units (UGA) were identified through research conducted by the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, focusing on the geology and geography of the territory near Pieve.

A historical study of the area’s winemaking traditions, landscapes, and heritage revealed that during the late Roman and Lombard eras, the region was divided into parishes – known in Italian as Pieve – each with its own distinct name.

Honoring this centuries-old winemaking tradition, the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano chose to name the 12 UGAs using the word “Pieve” followed by the historic place names from those ancient times.

These 12 zones will now be featured on wine labels, proudly bearing the word “Pieve” as a tribute to Montepulciano’s deep-rooted history and terroir.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s)
only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA).
Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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