Cantina Dei - Nobile di Montepulciano Madonna delle Querce

The Dei family established their roots in Montepulciano in 1964. The estate is currently managed by Caterina Dei along with Technical Director Paolo Caciorgna. The vineyards, on the slopes below the picturesque town of Montepulciano, extend over 60 hectares and are divided between the crus of Martiena, Bossona, La Piaggia, La Ciarliana and Cervognano. Farming is certified organic. Built in Travertino Marble (from the familly’s quarries) and glass, the state of the art, gravity fed winery offers an impressive Architectural showcase. The philosophy is based on a modern approach promoting respect for the environment (organic farming, photovoltaic panels and geothermal systems in the cellars), and ambitious wine making. The estate has become one of the leaders in the region, producing lush, perfumed, fruit-driven wines that are exquisite expressions of the local Prugnolo clone of Sangiovese.

Organic. 100% Prugnolo Gentile from a 1.5 hectare plot of the Piaggia vineyard in the Martiena cru (see map). This cuvée is dedicated to Catarina’s father Glauco. Extraction/fermentation with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Aged twenty four months exclusively in 33 hectoliter Slavonian oak casks and cellared in the bottle for one year before release. Approximately 300 cases produced annually.

The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Madonna della Querce lifts up with a rich, smokey and slightly exotic display, with crushed cherries giving way to sweet herbs and tobacco. It’s silky and pliant. Salty minerals add pleasurable traction, creating a cascading feel to its ripe red and black fruits, as a laser beam of acidity keeps it all in check. There’s such intensity here, yet the tannins frame it well. This tamed beast of a wine needs a couple of years of cellaring to come fully into focus.