2018 Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 750 ml

The Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano marries plush modernism and classic Sangiovese vibrancy with a stunning price tag—it’s a bargain hunter’s dream and an ideal accompaniment for everything from grilled Wagyu burgers to wild mushroom ravioli. 

Even the most stringent critics have put Salcheto’s Vino Nobile on a pedestal in recent years. “Readers who haven’t yet discovered Salcheto are missing out on some of the most delicious wines being made in Tuscany today,” raved Vinous’ Antonio Galloni. Our members chimed in too, cleaning out our last offer and saying things like, “I love Italian reds and this is a great wine at any price.” 

Vino Nobile has been one of the most sought-after wines in Europe for centuries. In 1549, Pope Paul III proclaimed Vino Nobile di Montepulciano "vino perfectissimo.” It was a favorite of Italy’s aristocracy—who could drink the best of the best whenever they wanted—up through the 20th century.

Salcheto’s main vineyard sits at nearly 1,500 feet in elevation, one of the highest in the area, caressed by the sun’s warm rays during the day and cooled by perfectly brisk breezes at night. The soil—primarily tufa clay, formed from volcanic ash—affords the Prugnolo Gentile grapes (the local clone of Sangiovese) perfect growing conditions, and winemaker Michele Manelli elected to pursue organic and biodynamic growing practices, qualitative decisions that come across in every sip. 

Is this “vine perfectissimo?” Tough to say. But a night with good friends, a great meal, and a bottle of this Vino Nobile—it can’t get more perfect than that.