The Village of Montepulciano is literally anchored on the hill and gained an excellent reputation for its red wines, which were labeled as the most perfect wines of Italy even under the period of Pope Paul II and Sixtus V. The production uses the Sangiovese grape, locally known as “Prugnolo gentile”, mixed with Canaialo Nero and other local varieties such as Mammolo. To be allowed to use the DOCG label, the wine must be aged for at least 2 years on oak, just like Super Tuscans. This vino nobile, together with a few other Italian red wines Brunello di Montalcino, Barolo and Sassicaia, are among the best wines in the world.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG is red wine made exclusively in the municipality of Montepulciano. This was one of the first DOCGs awarded in 1980. The DOCG rules were amended in 1999 so that the wine can now consist of 100% sanogiovese, locally known as prugnolo gentile. Vino Nobile must contain at least 70% sangiovese and in addition the grapes canaiolo, mammolo, trebbiano and gamay are sometimes added. The difference with other wines from Tuscany is that the Vino Nobile wines are fuller, contain more alcohol and in addition the wine must mature for at least two years (from January 1 after harvest) to be called Vino Nobile.