Storia
Historical setting
Montepulciano has been associated with quality Sangiovese cultivation for more than 300 years. In 1685, the poet, physician and naturalist Francesco Redi celebrated Montepulciano as the king of wines in his dithyramb Bacco in Toscana.
1997: first TorCalvano harvests
The first recorded harvest for each of TorCalvano’s three expressions—Rosso di Montepulciano, Nobile di Montepulciano and Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva—was 1997. The project subsequently developed these as three interpretations of Sangiovese from the Montepulciano area: the fresher Rosso, the standard Nobile and a Riserva reserved for the most important vintages.
Terroir
TorCalvano is associated with Gracciano, within the municipality of Montepulciano in the province of Siena. Montepulciano lies between the Chiana Valley and the Val d’Orcia, with the Vino Nobile territory bordering the Val d’Orcia.
The TorCalvano Gracciano vineyards used for the Riserva are situated at approximately 350 metres above sea level. The broader Nobile selection draws on vineyards in the most suitable parts of the municipality of Montepulciano at a similar elevation.
The soils are predominantly loose in texture and rich in marine clay. This combination is associated with deeply coloured, intensely aromatic Sangiovese capable of extended ageing.
The 2021 and 2022 growing seasons were both marked by low annual rainfall—approximately 25% below the area’s average—and unusual spring temperatures. March and especially April recorded particularly low minimum temperatures. In both seasons, harvest extended from mid-September into early October.
Vinificazione
The vineyards are planted with Sangiovese in its local Prugnolo Gentile biotype. The variety produces medium-small, winged and compact bunches with relatively large berries and resistant skins.
Planting density is 4,000–5,000 vines per hectare. The 2018 Nobile specification records an average production of 6 tonnes of grapes per hectare, while the Riserva specification records 7 tonnes per hectare. Both give an approximate grape-to-wine yield of 65%.
For the 2021 and 2022 seasons, harvesting ran from mid-September to early October.
All three TorCalvano expressions undergo alcoholic fermentation in stainless-steel tanks.
Rosso di Montepulciano matures for approximately one year. Nobile di Montepulciano matures for at least 24 months, including one year in wood, before further bottle refinement. The 2018 Nobile protocol specified fermentation and skin maceration for at least 15 days at a controlled 26–28°C, followed by 20 months in 35-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels and at least six months in bottle.
Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is made only in the most important vintages and is conceived for longer maturation in large barrels. Its current maturation regime is at least 36 months, including one year in wood, followed by bottle refinement. An earlier Riserva protocol specified fermentation at 28°C in stainless steel with at least 20 days on the skins and a minimum of 12 months of bottle ageing.
Filosofia
TorCalvano presents three expressions of Sangiovese from one historic denomination, using differences in vinification and maturation to move from freshness and youthful fruit to wines intended for extended ageing. The Riserva is limited to the most important vintages.
Within the Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari Tenute portfolio, the guiding priorities are elegance, a clear identity and a strong connection to the diversity and values of the territory.
Vini
TorCalvano Rosso di Montepulciano DOC
TorCalvano Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
