Dei

As its name suggests, Vino Nobile was a wine that was reserved for the drinking pleasure of Italian nobility, with mentions in Papal documents that date back to the 16th Century. After the ravages of phylloxera, much of government funding aid was concentrated on the Chianti zone, leaving Montepulciano in relative ruin. It wasn’t until after the agricultural crisis in the 1960’s that this historic appellation began its ascent to its present position amongst Italy’s most renowned appellations. In 1980, testament to the work of the region’s top estates, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was given Italy’s top appellation status, DOCG.

Under the direction of Maria Caterina Dei and winemaking supervised by oenologist Niccolò d’Afflito, Cantina Dei produces Vino Nobile wines of depth and finesse. So seductive in youth, it is understandably difficult to wait to drink them, however, patience is rewarded as the wines age magnificently. Aside from a classic Vino Nobile DOCG, Dei also produces a magnificent Rosso di Montelcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva which is sourced from the sandy limestone soils of the Bossona Cru, and which is given extended aging in tonneaux. As is the Dei signature, the fruit remains the focus alongside silky and sultry tannins.