The Contucci Family of Montepulciano: Among Tuscany's Oldest Winemakers

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 10/12/2024

The Contucci Family of Montepulciano: Among Tuscany's Oldest Winemakers

The Contucci Winery, situated in the heart of Montepulciano, Tuscany, embodies one of Italy’s most enduring winemaking traditions. With a lineage that dates back to the 11th century, the Contucci family has cultivated their vineyards and maintained their estate continuously since the pre-Renaissance period. As one of the founding families of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, they have been instrumental in elevating the region’s wines to global acclaim. Their estate, surrounded by the picturesque Tuscan hills, features the only ancient wine cellars in Montepulciano still functioning as an active space for aging their wines. The family also resides in the historic palace, adorned with 18th-century frescoes, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience this remarkable heritage firsthand.

Today, the Contucci Winery is celebrated not only for its rich history but also for its dedication to quality and tradition. With 22.5 hectares of vineyards, the winery focuses on cultivating native varietals such as Prugnolo Gentile, Canaiolo Nero, and Colorino, using sustainable practices that honor the land and its legacy. Under the guidance of the Contucci family, their wines continue to mature in French and Slavonian oak barrels, delivering the exceptional Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montepulciano, and a renowned Vin Santo, among others. With each bottle, the Contucci family upholds their commitment to excellence, ensuring that every wine reflects the history, passion, and craftsmanship that have defined this remarkable estate for centuries.

The Family's History

The Contucci family is one of the oldest lineages in Montepulciano, with a continuous presence dating back to the 11th century. Before the Renaissance, they were already cultivating vines, laying the foundation for what would become a legacy of winemaking excellence. By the 1700s, the Contuccis had established themselves as "putative fathers" of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a wine once reserved for nobility. Their expertise was well-recognized by 1773, and their wines had earned significant accolades by the 1800s. A standout year was 1864, marking the production of a premium red wine that would serve as a precursor to today's Vino Nobile. This centuries-old commitment to winemaking remains a point of pride for the Contucci family, as Andrea Contucci himself shares during tours of their historic estate.

The Winery

The Contucci estate is a historic and expansive property deeply embedded in the region's heritage. The family's residence, adorned with frescoes by Andrea Pozzo from 1701, offers visitors a window into the past. Of the estate's 170 hectares, 22.5 are devoted to vineyards planted exclusively with native grape varieties like Prugnolo Gentile (a local Sangiovese clone), Canaiolo Nero, Colorino, and Mammolo. The estate is committed to sustainable farming, emphasizing hand-harvesting and maintaining a profound respect for the environment.

At the heart of the winery are its 13th-century cellars, a blend of historical significance and modern functionality, where Contucci wines age in French and Slavonian oak barrels. Aging periods are carefully tailored to each wine’s character, with the classic Vino Nobile di Montepulciano maturing for 24 months, the Riserva for at least 36 months, and the Vin Santo for up to a decade.

The Wines Tasted

The Contucci Winery produces approximately 100,000 bottles each year, offering a diverse portfolio that captures the full spectrum of Montepulciano's winemaking potential. Contucci wines are enjoyed both locally and internationally, with exports reaching markets in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Known for its dedication to quality, heritage, and sustainable practices, the winery stands out as a Montepulciano icon and a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.

Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 2023
The Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 2023 is crafted from the same native grape varieties as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano but delivers a lighter, more approachable profile, with an aging period of just 6 to 8 months. The blend comprises 80% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese), 10% Canaiolo Nero, and a small percentage of Colorino and Mammolo, all sourced from the Mulinvecchio vineyard. This wine is fermented in large steel tuns of 25 to 30 hectoliters and oak barrels of 20 hectoliters, with an extended aging process of 24 months in wood, followed by bottle refinement for 6 to 8 months. This method yields a well-rounded, approachable wine that captures the unique character of Montepulciano's terroir.

With its vibrant ruby color and full-bodied aroma, the wine is versatile and well-suited for a variety of pairings. On the nose, it presents inviting notes of red cherries, violets, and geranium, complemented by a vinous undertone and a refreshing quality that lingers briefly. The tannins are still integrating, contributing a balanced softness that enhances the overall experience.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2019
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2019 is made from 80% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese), 10% Canaiolo Nero, and a small percentage of Colorino and Mammolo, all sourced from the Mulinvecchio vineyard. The grapes are harvested between October 5th and 15th, and undergo a 15-day fermentation process in steel tuns of 25 to 30 hectoliters, as well as in oak barrels of 20 hectoliters. The wine is then aged for 24 months in wood, with an additional 6 to 8 months of refinement in the bottle to enhance its depth and balance.

In the glass, this wine displays a brilliant ruby red color. On the nose, it presents subtle notes of tar, accompanied by black fruits and a hint of red berries. The palate reveals a fresh and lively character, with gripping tannins that balance well with the wine’s acidity. Elegant and persistent, the wine finishes with lingering notes of red fruit, showcasing the nuanced complexities achieved through its extended aging process.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Pietra Rossa 2019
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Pietra Rossa 2019 is a carefully crafted wine made from 80% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese), 10% Canaiolo Nero, and 10% Colorino. This wine is sourced from the Pietra Rossa vineyard, a 2-hectare plot situated at 400 meters above sea level, with distinctive red clay soils rich in iron. The grapes are harvested between October 10th and 20th, then fermented over 18 days at temperatures between 26° and 28°C in steel tuns of 25 to 30 hectoliters and oak barrels of 15 to 20 hectoliters. Following fermentation, the wine matures in oak for 30 months, with an additional 8 to 10 months of bottle refinement.

The wine displays a deeper ruby red color, indicative of its full-bodied profile. On the nose, it offers a creamy bouquet of red and black fruits, subtle hints of tar, and a layered aromatic depth. The palate reveals a lengthy finish, with creaminess that gently overlays the wine's freshness. The tannins are velvety yet will benefit from an additional year of aging to achieve optimal integration. Overall, this wine leaves a beautiful finish, reflecting its complexity and the extended aging process.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2018
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2018 is a carefully selected vintage, only bottled in four-star vintages, featuring a blend of 80% Prugnolo Gentile, 10% Canaiolo Nero, and a small percentage of Colorino and Mammolo. The grapes are fermented over 15 days in steel tuns of 25 to 30 hectoliters and oak barrels of 5 to 20 hectoliters. The wine undergoes extensive aging, spending 36 months in wood with six transfers to enhance clarity and complexity, followed by 8 to 10 months of bottle refinement.

This Riserva reveals aromas of red berries, almost candied, and demonstrates excellent tannic structure. On the palate, the wine is smooth, with a vibrant freshness that is complemented by a creamy texture. The finish is long and satisfying, reflecting the wine’s meticulous aging process and the distinct character of the Pietra Rossa Alto vineyard. This vintage showcases both elegance and depth, making it a standout representation of Montepulciano's finest expressions.