The legacy, topography, and history of Fattoria di Palazzo Vecchio are as intricate and expressive as the wines they produce today. It was earlier known as Fattoria di Valiano. The castle was built and held for many centuries by the Marquises of Valiano, a noblewoman from Florence. The estate remained in the family for generations. It is perfectly positioned at the border between what was known as the Papal States and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and overlooking the Val di Chiana. It has witnessed significant historical occurrences, including the reclamation of the valley, which sat underwater, hydraulic work by Leonardo Da Vinci, and grandiose engineering by Antonio da Sangallo. The estate has sported many hats in its day. It has been: a residence for homeless children of Florence, a monastery for monks who constructed the cellar and were known for making some flavorsome beer, a famous agro institution- The Institute of Capezzine, and if that is not enough, now a winery under the family of Count Riccardo Zorzi.

The Count purchased the land in late1960 and handed it down to his daughter Alessandra Zorzi. Her husband, Marco Sbernadori, and their son, Luca, have overseen the winery. Renovations of the old buildings and the additions to the cellars began in 1982. Over subsequent years, the vineyards were individually assessed and replanted, allowing the winery now known as Palazzo Vecchio to produce its first vintage of Vino Nobile Montepulciano in 1990.

For centuries the lands have been toiled and greatly admired for their prosperous, strong clay soils. Today the 25-hectare estate has 7 hectares planted. Their emphasis is to make better wines and not to develop the lands. Under the direction of the family, they grow 70% Prugnolo Gentile Sangiovese, 15% Canailo Nero, 7% Mammolo, and the remaining few percent is a combination of Malvasia and Grechetto for Vin Santo. They cultivate their vines organically with minimal use of anything on the vines, with an average age of 45 years.

Who:
Marco Sbernadori + son, Luca Sbernadori

Where:
Valiano Montepulciano, Siena • Tuscany - Italy

Founded: 1970

Land:
25 hectares, 100 -400 meters above sea level

Grapes:
The average age of vine 45 yrs / Prugnolo Gentile Sangiovese, Canailo Nero, Mammolo + Malvasia, and Grechetto for Vin Santo.

Appellation:
Rosso di Montepulciano DOCG, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

Viticulture: Organic

Training system:

Harvest: hand-picking

Annual Production:

Palazzo Vecchio | ‘Dogana’

Rosso di Montepulciano DOCG

GRAPE: Prugnolo Gentile 85%, Canaiolo Nero 10%, Mammolo 5% 
AGE OF VINEYARD: 20+ years
EXPOSURE:
ALTITUDE: SOIL:
TRAINING SYSTEM: spurred cordon
HARVEST: the grapes are harvested and sorted by hand.
VINIFICATION: Fermentation in steel tanks at a controlled temperature with a minimum 8 months in oak barrels
AGING: 18 months in steel, then 4-6 months in bottle

This youthful wine comes mainly from their younger vines. Here, you will find an approachable wine that still represents all that is Montepulciano. Maybe I have watched too many romantic British series, nevertheless, the nose is a contemplation of sipping espresso, while nibbling on tea cakes in a warm cottage garden. Brambly roses, spring violets, fleshy black raspberries, and wild cherries mixed with the bittersweet notes of brew. This is a juicy, fruity wine, accented with notes of sweet cake spices and held together by lean tannins. A wine meant to be enjoyed.

Pairings : Pasta and rice are the first courses, followed by main courses and fresh cheeses.

ABOUT THE VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG

Region:Toscana

History: Established as a DOC in 1966; became a DOCG in 1980

Vineyard Area: 852 ha / 2,104 acres (2018)

Production: 45,500 hl / 505,600 cases (2018)

Principal Red Grape Varieties: Sangiovese

IT’S THE LAW

RED WINES: 1. Vino Nobile (Rd): Minimum 70% Sangiovese (locally Prugnolo Gentile); maximum 30% OARG; maximum 5% OAWG 2. Riserva (Vino Nobile)

Significant Production Rules

• Vineyard elevation: Minimum 250 m (820 ft); maximum 500 m (1,970 ft)

• Minimum alcohol level: 12.5% for Vino Nobile; 13.0% for Riserva

• Aging: For Vino Nobile, minimum 2 years, including either 12 months in barrel and 6 months in bottle or 18 months in barrel (ERD = January 1, V+3); for Riserva, minimum 3 years, including 12 months in barrel and 6 months in bottle (ERD = January 1, V+4)

Palazzo Vecchio | ‘Maestro’

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

GRAPE: Prugnolo Gentile 85%, Canaiolo Nero 10%, Mammolo 5% 
AGE OF VINEYARD: 20+ years
EXPOSURE:
ALTITUDE: SOIL:
TRAINING SYSTEM: spurred cordon
HARVEST: the grapes are harvested and sorted by hand.
VINIFICATION: Fermentation in steel tank containers with controlled fermentation. 24 months in French oak barrels
AGING: minimum 6 months in bottle

Delectable and enticing aromas of violets with a soupçon of lavender. Plenty of scents of baking spice and fall plum remind you of cooler weather, circling with wild mountain fennel and old-growth forest with its musty, funky, dense tang reminiscent of dirt-covered mushrooms. With the tight and straight palate, you’ll find fine yet textural tannins with flickers of dried black cherry and a hint of cedar cigar box.

Pairings: Full-bodied first courses and second courses with red meats. Seasoned cheeses.

VIA TERRA ROSSA, 5 53045 Valiano , Italy (SI) ITALY

01414250520

www.vinonobile.it