Lots of Wine in Tuscany

Italy is known for its wines, and many wines are produced in Tuscany.  Our introduction to Tuscan wines began with a stop in Montepulciano, where we toured the Family Contucci wine cellars and did a wine tasting.  The Contucci family has been making wine for over 1,000(!) years.  The wineries in Montepulciano are known for the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a red wine that is aged for two years with at least one year in an oak barrel.

Interestingly, the Vino Nobile is primarily made with Sangiovese grapes and not the namesake Montepulciano grape of the region.  Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is made with 85% Montepulicano grapes, but in the Abruzzo region of East-Central Italy and not actually in Montepulciano.  Go figure.  The Montepulicano d'Abruzzo wine was a favorite of Renee and Mona and one we have frequently purchased on this trip.

Our villa hosts in Tuscany recommended the Guado al Melo winery as one of their favorites.   Located in the Bolgheri area about 40 minutes south of the Villa, this area pioneered blended wines that are called Super Tuscan.  Renee, Mona, and Annalise enjoyed a full tour of the winery while Mark and Bryan joined for the wine tasting at the end.  It was a wonderful explanation of how the winery is owned by Professor Attilio Scienza, his son, and his daughter-in-law who come from generations of wine makers. 

Guado al Melo wine tasting

Professor Scienza taught viticulture in Milan and has experimental plants in some of the fields along with a library of over 15,000 books on wine.  An educational museum is also part of the winery.  The tour explained how the winery was built 2 meters underground beneath the vineyard fields and the architectural features and design that helps it maintain a sustainability certification such as skylights for natural lighting, no AC needed for cooling, lowest environmental impact and farming, etc.  You can read about their history, efforts, and family on their website at:  www.guadoalmelo.it

During the winery tour, we also learned about various methods for growing and harvesting grapes.  One is from ancient Greece where plants are grown and pruned like little trees.  A second is from ancient Egypt where the vines were on pergolas creating a tunnel effect above the walkways.  With this method, the grapes hung down into the cooler areas shaded from the hot sun by the canopy of vines. 

Contucci wine cellar

A third method is from ancient Italy where the vines are planted next to a tree and grow up into the partner tree.  The partner tree provides structure and the workers would lean ladders against the trees to gather the grapes as they grow vertically up the limbs. The fourth method is today's popular approach of cultivating the vines along wires strung between posts.

The tour was very much a learning experience that not only showcased the winery itself, but also discussed the history of winemaking and the unique Tuscan wine experience.  We enjoyed all we learned and the delicious wine tasting, and we understand why Guado al Melo is one of our hosts' favorite wineries in the area.