History of winery Gattavecchi

The story of the wine is inseparable from the history of Montepulciano. Gattavecchi is a historical name in Montepulciano. The love for the vineyard and the productions of quality wines has been passed on to generations in the Gattavecchi family. They have been producing wine for over 100 years.

In 1944 during the Second World war the vineyards of grandfather Vincenzo Gattavecchi experienced much damage. A few years later, after the war, Valente Gattavecchi restarted with the production and trading of wine with help from his mother Sidonia. And today the fourth generations family members are Luca Gattavecchi, his brother Gionata and sister Daniela. They all contribute to the production and sale of the wines.

In the southern part of Montepulciano, in the area of Argiano is the vineyard of Gattavecchi. The other traditional vineyards of Gattavecchi are located in Le Caggiole and in Ascianello. These areas are perfect for wine production of Vino Nobile. The compositions of the soils, the favorable exposure and the special microclimate makes these wineries suitable for the production of excellent wine.

The vinification of the Gattavecchi wines takes place in the Podere Banditella. The Vino Nobile and other wines are refined in the historic cantina of Gattavecchi in the centre of Montepulciano.

Cantina Gattavecchi in Montepulciano

Simoneschi Baroncelli is an underground wine cave carved in tuff stone. This wine cellar has been bought in 1958 by the Gattavecchi family. This cellar is under the church of the Santa Maria dei Servi and belonged to the 14th historical monastery “Convento dei Padri Serviti”. In the underground wine cave ages the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in Slavonian oak casks and in small French oak barrels. This is followed by a six-month period of refinement in the bottle. If you walk through the wine cave you’ll discover a wonderful treasure of an ancient Etruscan Tomb. The cantina Gattavecchi is one of the oldest wineries of Montepulciano. On the upper floor is the wine cellar and a large dining room where you can eat and taste the
wines of Gattavecchi. There is also a great outside terrace overlooking the Tempio di San Biagio.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

The origin of the Vino Nobile dates back to the Etruscans. During the Barbarian invasions the common people of Chiusi went to Città della Pieve and the rich population settled in Mons
Politianus. In that time Montepulciano was given the title as an “imperial town”. The first historically reliable document referring to the town by this name dates back to the year 715. When Noble families settled in Mons Politianus they started to produce superior quality wines being fit for only noblemen. Hence the name Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

In the 16th century Pope’s cellar master praised the wine from the Tuscan town of Monpulciano as being the wines only for Nobles, Kings, Popes and Presidents. But trustworthy the name “Vino Nobile” comes in Montepulciano, the Noble families lived in the town. Their land, their vineyards, are still around the hill of Montepulciano. In 1966 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was actually the first DOC wine appear on the Italian market, and one of the first to get the DOCG statute in 1980.

It is one of the most Tuscany’s renowned red wines. The wine is made from Sangiovese, not to be confused with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, made from the Montepulciano grape. The wines of Gattavecchi have a strong sense of identity. They are enjoyable, round, soft and good potential for aging. The Vino Nobile comes out of 90% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile) and 10% a blend of native red grapes. The color of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Gattavecchi is intense and brilliant deep garnet. The bouquet is delicate and penetrating, with hints of mature plum, and the flavor is dry, warm and robust. This wine combines perfectly with red meat, local pasta “i pici” with duck ragù and well-seasoned cheeses.
The bottle of Vino Nobile should be opened at least 2 hours before drinking it. The serving temperature is 18-20 C. Than pour your Vino Nobile gently until your glass is half way full.
A wonderful proverb in Italian language: “Bere un calice di vino Nobile vuole dire bere un calice di storia” By Luca Gattavecchi

Literal translation: Drinking a glass of Vino Nobile means drinking a glass of history.
This saying enters our story about Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. It refers rightfully to the old deeply rooted history of the wine and the people of Montepulciano.

Visit website: www.gattavecchi.it

My reviews

My winereview Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2015
My winereview poggio Alla Sala - Rosso di Montepulciano