On May 19th, wine professionals and media gathered at Ampersand Studios in Miami for a landmark occasion: the American debut of the newly designated “Pieve” category of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. Organized by IEEM (International Event & Exhibition Management) as part of the EU-financed “Savor the Quality from Europe” campaign, the masterclass and tasting offered an exclusive look at the future of this storied Tuscan wine. Led by renowned wine critic Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the event highlighted both tradition and innovation—two values that resonate strongly with today’s discerning collectors and consumers. Approximately 50 attendees from the wine trade and media participated in the guided tasting, which was followed by a walkaround lunch and additional sampling.
What Sets Vino Nobile Apart: A Refresher for the Discerning Collector
- Designation: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is one of Italy’s earliest DOCGs, officially recognized in 1980.
- Primary Grape: Sangiovese, known locally as Prugnolo Gentile, must comprise at least 85%.
- Aging Requirements: Pieve wines must age for 36 months (compared to 24 months for Riserva), including at least one year in barrel and one year in bottle.
- Approved Grapes: No international varieties allowed; only local grapes such as Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo.
- New Category: Introduced with the 2021 vintage and linked to 12 historical zones (Pieve).
- Production: Limited to vineyards at least 15 years old, owned and cultivated by the producer.
The Pieve Project: Tradition with a Modern Lens
The newly introduced “Pieve” classification is more than a marketing label—it’s the result of extensive research into Montepulciano’s unique terroir. Inspired by historic parishes dating back to the Roman and Lombard periods, the 12 Additional Geographic Units (UGAs) serve as the foundation for this new typology. These areas—Ascianello, Badia, Caggiole, Cerliana, Cervognano, Gracciano, Le Grazie, San Biagio, Sant’Albino, Sant’Ilario, Valardegna, and Valiano—each contribute distinctive characteristics to the wines that originate there. To qualify for the Pieve designation, wines must meet strict criteria, including vineyard age and the exclusive use of local grape varieties. The result is a heightened level of terroir-driven transparency aimed at elevating the entire appellation.
The Consortium’s Commitment to Quality
Founded in 1965, the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is dedicated to protecting and promoting the image of Vino Nobile worldwide. The organization includes approximately 270 members, among them 78 bottlers, representing nearly all of the vineyard area of the DOCG. Since 2016, its headquarters have been located inside the Ancient Fortress of Montepulciano, at the heart of the town, underscoring its commitment to tradition and community.
Antonio Galloni on Place, Purity, and the Next Generation
Antonio Galloni, founder and CEO of Vinous, emphasized how the Pieve initiative could mirror the success of Chianti Classico’s Gran Selezione in raising overall quality. “We’re witnessing a shift toward regional identity,” he said. “The hope is that this added layer of designation will deepen both appreciation and quality.”
He also addressed market trends with optimism, particularly among younger consumers. “We want them to drink wine, not gin and tonics,” Galloni joked, adding that younger buyers appreciate clarity, education, and authenticity. “There’s still tremendous interest in wine—people just need help navigating it.”
Tasting Highlights: Seven Zones, Eleven Wines
An exciting part of being at this event was the opportunity to taste eleven newly designated wines from seven of the twelve Pieve zones, each part of the inaugural 2021 vintage. The wines presented reflect the new standards of Pieve classification—crafted from vineyards at least 15 years old, with production per label ranging from roughly 1,350 to 5,000 bottles. Alcohol levels ranged between 14% and 15.5%, and retail prices spanned from $30 to $170 USD.
While all eleven selections reflected a high standard, several wines stood out for their elegance, structure, or expressive character. A few were particularly memorable, offering compelling reasons for future cellar additions. The following list includes tasting impressions and price points. My personal favorites, Talosa, Poliziano, Tiberini, Le Bèrne, and Gracciano della Seta, stood out for their depth, finesse, and textural beauty.
- Carpineto | Pieve Sant’Albino, Poggio Sant’Enrico Grande
100% Sangiovese | $65
Deep and structured with earthy undertones and a firm tannic backbone.
carpineto.com
- Vecchia Cantina | Pieve Sant’Ilario
87% Sangiovese, 13% Canaiolo Nero | $80
Floral and savory with good complexity and length.
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- Tiberini | Pieve Caggiole
90% Prugnolo Gentile, 5% Canaiolo Nero, 5% Mammolo | $105
Aromatic and lifted, this wine stood out for its finesse and balance.
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- Poliziano | Pieve Caggiole
100% Sangiovese | $110
Bold and expressive with well-integrated tannins. A top contender for the cellar.
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- Fattoria Svetoni | Pieve Cervognano
100% Sangiovese | $46
Elegant and fruit-forward; an accessible option within the category.
it
- Le Bèrne | Pieve Cervognano, Alto
100% Sangiovese | $90
A wine of great depth and subtle power. Refined and memorable.
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- Vecchia Cantina | Pieve Cervognano
100% Sangiovese | $80
Balanced and classic in style, with signature red fruit and spice. - Marchesi Frescobaldi | Pieve Cervognano, Tenuta Calimaia Viacroce
100% Prugnolo Gentile | $90
Rich, modern profile with creamy oak and supple tannins.
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- Talosa | Pieve Le Grazie, Vigna Chiusino
100% Sangiovese | $170
The tasting’s most commanding wine. Textured, bold, and built for longevity.
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- La Ciarliana | Pieve Cerliana
100% Sangiovese | $30
Youthful and bright; an approachable entry to the category.
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- Gracciano Della Seta | Pieve Gracciano
100% Sangiovese | $99
Seamless with floral aromatics and elegant structure.
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Looking Ahead: New Voices and Historic Roots
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has long been a staple of Tuscan winemaking. With the introduction of the Pieve category, it now signals a deeper commitment to terroir, sustainability, and consumer connection. For collectors, it marks an exciting new frontier; for producers, it’s a return to regional roots. As these wines roll out in select markets, consumers can look to wine shops, online retailers, or winery visits to experience the Pieve firsthand.
As Antonio Galloni noted during the Miami tasting, “I’m not as bearish as most people are about the prospects of the wine business. I’m much more optimistic.” He acknowledged the general oversupply of wine in global markets, but emphasized that the opportunity lies in raising quality across regions like Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: “I think that there’s not enough really high-quality wine in the world.”
For collectors and producers alike, the Pieve category represents a step in that direction—refining identity, increasing value, and inviting deeper connection to place.
Special thanks to IEEM for the invitation to this landmark event. To learn more, visit ieemusa.com, vinous.com, savorqualityfromeurope.eu, and Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Photos by Lisa Morales except for the professional head shot to credit Vinous Media
