Cantine Dei: A Premier Winery in Montepulciano
Cantine Dei, located in the heart of Tuscany near the historic town of Montepulciano, is a family-owned estate known for producing some of the finest Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines. The winery was founded by Alibrando Dei in 1964 when he purchased the renowned Bossona vineyard, an area known for producing top-quality Sangiovese grapes. The Dei family has been passionate about winemaking ever since, expanding their property and focusing on both tradition and innovation to express the unique terroir of Montepulciano through their wines.
Terroir and Vineyards
Cantine Dei manages 101 hectares of land, with 61 hectares of vineyards spread across prime locations such as Bossona, Villa Martiena, La Ciarliana, and Cervognano. These vineyards sit on soils rich in tuff, sandy topsoil, and calcareous limestone, which provide excellent drainage and mineral complexity to the grapes. The vineyards are dedicated mostly to Sangiovese, known locally as Prugnolo Gentile, along with smaller plots of Canaiolo, Trebbiano, and Malvasia, contributing to the winery’s range of red, white, and sweet wines.
Sustainability and Organic Practices
Cantine Dei prioritizes sustainable and organic vineyard management, using cover crops such as fava beans, barley, and mustard to enhance soil health and nitrogen levels. Although not officially certified organic, their approach reflects a deep respect for the land and a commitment to preserving the environment.
Winemaking Philosophy
Led by Caterina Dei, granddaughter of the founder, the winery continues to produce wines that reflect the rich history and terroir of Montepulciano. Caterina, with a background in the performing arts, has infused the winemaking process with a deep sense of harmony and balance. The winery blends traditional methods—such as long aging in Slavonian oak botti—with modern techniques to create wines that are both elegant and expressive.
Signature Wines
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG: The estate’s flagship wine, made predominantly from Sangiovese, showcasing vibrant cherry and earthy flavors, with a refined tannic structure.
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva Bossona: A single-vineyard expression from the Bossona vineyard, known for its complexity, aged in oak for up to 18 months, and highly regarded for its depth and aging potential.
- Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC: A sweet wine made from Malvasia, Trebbiano, and Grechetto grapes, traditionally dried on straw mats before pressing
