Consorzio del vino nobile di Montepulciano

New year, new wine – so to speak, at least, because the “new” Vino Nobile (on sale this year) is actually the 2009 vintage and the 2008 Riserva. As usual the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano will introduce the new arrivals to the market, with a new programme of international events starting as we write.

The events begin with a tour of the United States followed by a return to Montepulciano for the week of Preview Tastings for Vino Nobile, starting on 18th February. This celebration involves the whole of Montepulciano and represents an important opportunity for the local wineries. As ever, February will be the month for taking stock of the previous year, and making plans for the year ahead. For the wine producers’ association, 2012 will see last December’s decree come into effect, according to which the Consorzio will officially become the body responsible for protecting and promoting the whole DOC zone, including wineries operating within the territory but not formally associated with the Consorzio. This role willinitially involve reinforcing the message ofVino Nobile in Italy and around the world, emphasizing quality above all.

Quality in Montepulciano means bottled products but also environmental sustainability: this is why many (indeed most) wineries are involved in significant production management projects aiming to respect ecological balance.

The quality of wine in Montepulciano is also demonstrated by the producers’ relationship with local artistic, cultural and architectural heritage. In this context, the most representative image of the concept is the Fortress of Montepulciano, one of the most identifiable buildings in the city now in the concluding phases of extensive restoration work, thanks to substantial funding from the producers and the Consorzio. This, too, shows what it means to have “Nobile inside”.