TENUTA DI GRACCIANO DELLA SETA | Vino Nobile di Montepulciano | Toscana | 2019
sangiovese | canaiolo | merlot

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Tenuta di Gracciano is one of the oldest wineries in the Montepulciano region. In the beginning of the 19th century, it was owned by the Svetoni family who built the estate and created the italian-style gardens that surround it. The property was inherited by the current owners, Marco, Vannozza and Galdina della Seta Ferrari Corbelli Greco, through their father Giorgio. The winery has always been run by renown oenologists (such as Nicolò d’Afflitto from 1985 and Beppe Rigoli since 1995) who ensured that the Tenuta di Gracciano produced an excellent Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, fully reflecting the unique local terroir.

Today we are are going to review a genuine Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine from the famous Tuscany wine region in the northern Italy – Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Toscana 2019 by Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta. This wine is the epitome of modern Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, made almost entirely with old vine (40 years old) prugnolo gentile grapes (90% – the local name for a sangiovese old clone), mixed with just a bit of canaiolo and merlot (10% together). Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (not to be confused with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine, is made from the montepulciano grape variety) is a sangiovese-based red wine and the nobles of the famous Tuscan trio (the other two are Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino). The wine gets its name from the town of Montepulciano in southern Tuscany, situated on a hill in the province of Siena. By law, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano can only be produced from the grapes sourced from the vineyards surrounding the town of Montepulciano. The wine must contain at least 70% of sangiovese, known as prugnolo gentile amongst locals, however, many producers forgo their allowance to blend and make their top wines from 100% sangiovese. The final wine must be aged for a minimum of 2 years, from which 1 year in oak barrels or oak casks. Riserva wines howether, must be aged for 3 years total, from which at least 2 years in oak barrels. This particular wine has been aged for 18 months in oak casks and tonneaux, in order to preserve as much as possible the varietal characteristics of the grape varieties and the local terroir notes. But enough with all that theory, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: pale garnet color
clarity: hazy copper shades

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & herbal
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, the wine’s foreground is dominated by a delightful mixture of herbs and ripe red fruits, with notes of redcurrant, cranberry, thyme and rosemary, thus creating a harmonious bouquet that beckons exploration. The interplay between vibrant notes of sour cherry, brown olive and wormwood adds a layer of complexity, showcasing the wine’s refinement. As the aromatic journey continues, a savory-earthy undertone emerges from the background, with notes of old leather, clay, marl and subtle hints of iron, lending even more depth to an already complex flavour profile. This wine promises a well-balanced and inviting olfactory adventure from the first nose to the last sip.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: medium | balance: fine
finish: long | aftertaste: seedy-crisp

On the palate, this wine delivers elegance and finesse with its vibrant fruit character, dominated by ripe red fruits and an insistent herbal essence, showcasing a delightful interplay that lingers on the taste buds. The mouthfeel is characterized by a bright acidity that imparts a refreshing crispiness, complemented by fine-grained tannins that add structure without overpowering the palate, and just a touch of alcoholic warmth that enhances the overall tasting experience. The wine feels complex and well-structured, achieving a remarkable balance by mixing power with finesse. The mouthfeel culminates with a pleasantly seedy aftertaste, that leaves a lasting impression – a testament to the winemaker’s craftsmanship skills.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or age for 3 to 5 more years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

All in all, this wine can be characterized as a noble and ample expression of excellence. With its rich and complex aromatic profile, seamlessly transitioning into a palate of fine and delicate nuances, this is undoubtedly one of the best sangiovese-based wines we’ve tasted so far. The terroir-driven character shines through, showcasing a delicate earthy nature, while the ripe and vibrant fruit, coupled with herbal finesse and a complex but noble palate, leaves no prisoners – this is a wine of exceptional quality, that managed to capture the essence of its place of origin and to reflect in the best possible way the varietal characteristics of the prugnolo gentile grape variety.

//Scoring
TENUTA DI GRACCIANO DELLA SETA | Vino Nobile di Montepulciano | Toscana | 2019
variety: sangiovese | canaiolo | merlot
country: Italy
region: Toscana | Montepulciano
rating: 95.2
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This is definitely a great wine of Italy and, with a total of 95.2 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Judging by the wine’s complex and rich flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a slow-cooked Osso Buco. The richness of the wine’s flavour profile will complement the succulent flavors of the braised veal shanks, while the wine’s bright acidity will cut seamlessly through the rich textures of the meat, providing a refreshing contrast. In the same key, the fine-grained tannins and earthy undertones of the wine will harmonize with the depth of the gremolata and the earthiness of the funghi risotto, creating a culinary symphony that mirrors the excellence of this terroir-driven red wine. This pairing will create a culinary experience that celebrates the wine’s terroir-driven character and elevates the dining experience to new levels of hedonistic complexity. Enjoy!

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