The Canneto vineyard, on the western slopes of Montepulciano, near the wonderful church of Madonna di San Biagio, has a long tradition of wine making. Since the purchase the current Swiss owners have restored the buildings with great respect for the rich wine growing tradition. A new wine cellar has been built, new machinery and equipment installed and the vines and olive trees have been pruned and when necessary replaced. 

The vineyard covers some 48 hectares, of which about 26 hectares are planted with vines. Fifteen hectares are registered for the Vino Nobile. The vines are grown on moderately heavy, pebbly mar soil between 350 and 400 metres above sea level. The vines are raised on predominantly south west facing slopes in a horizontal spurred cordon system. A further four hectares of land is devoted to the cultivation of olives for extra virgin olive oil.

The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has enjoyed its renowned reputation and high esteem ever since the year 790. This excellent wine was soon discovered and sold outside the Montepulciano region. In 1549, Sante Lancerio, Pope Paul III's maître de chaîne called the Nobile the "Vino perfettissimo da Signori". It was, however, the doctor and poet, Francesco Redi, who in the 17th century established the reputation of the Nobile as "The King of all Wine". 

The name "Nobile" dates from the era when higher quality wines were exclusively reserved for noble families. Even today it is still recognized as something very "special". As one of the first top wines to come out of Italy, since 1980 the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has had the distinction of being classified as a DOCG wine. 

The Vino Nobile is matured in wooden casks for at least two years, starting from 1st January following the harvest. After maturing for three years the Vino Nobile is then granted the title "Riserva". 

In spite of its long tradition, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is, nevertheless, a modern wine. In recent years, hardly any other Italian wine has enjoyed such a noticeable improvement in quality and has thus gained an international reputation

website: www.canneto.com