The difference between Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano can be difficult to understand, considering that both these wines are produced using the same types of grapes and that they share the same production area. What distinguishes them? What are the differences between Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?

Below, we resolve any doubts and clarify the issue. Read the article to learn about the main differences between these two wines.

Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: what do they have in common?

We begin our article by specifying what are the most important traits in common between Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, those that can create confusion and difficulty in distinguishing them.

The first aspect that these two wines have in common is the grape variety. Both are produced predominantly from Sangiovese grapes: at least 70% of the Sangiovese grape (also known locally as Prugnolo Gentile). The remaining 30% can be reserved for other vines that can be cultivated in the Tuscany region (white grapes must not exceed 5%).

The second common feature, as the names suggest, is the area of production and cultivation of the grapes. Both wines are produced within the municipality of Montepulciano, in the province of Siena, in Tuscany. Montepulciano is one of the most suitable areas for Italian viticulture.

The differences between Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Now let's discover their main differences.

1️⃣ APPELLATIONS

These two red wines, in the Italian system, are classified under two different appellations. Rosso di Montepulciano is a D.O.C., while Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a D.O.C.G., the top of the qualitative pyramid of the Italian system. This means that Nobile di Montepulciano must comply with stricter and more rigorous production standards than Rosso di Montepulciano.

2️⃣ PRODUCTION RULES

The most important difference between the two wines concerns the aging and refinement operations. For Rosso di Montepulciano there are no specific rules and aging periods for the wine. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano must age for at least 2 years, starting from January 1st following the harvest. There are three possibilities and aging methods: 1) 24 months in wood; 2) at least 18 months in wood, the remaining months in another container; 3) at least 12 months in wood, at least 6 months in bottle and the remaining months in another container.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano can also be produced in the Riserva version. This version is not contemplated for Rosso di Montepulciano. The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva must be aged for at least 3 years, of which 6 months in the bottle.

3️⃣ ORGANOLEPTIC QUALITIES

The different production standards lead to different organoleptic qualities for the two wines.

Each label has unique and distinctive features. In any case, we can identify macro-differences. Starting from the colour, ruby red for the Rosso di Montepulciano and ruby red tending towards garnet for the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

On an olfactory level, Rosso di Montepulciano has a simpler and more defined bouquet with primary hints of red fruit and floral violets. The Vino Nobile, with long aging, acquires greater complexity, with ethereal and spicy notes in addition to the typical fruity and floral notes. Even in taste, the Vino Nobile presents greater complexity, greater robustness, structure and alcohol content, while the Rosso di Montepulciano is finer and more delicate, medium structured and easy to drink.