The Italian region, globally celebrated for its exceptional wines, has achieved an impressive array of accolades and honors. Notably, it received 36 prestigious “Chiocciole” distinctions, 20 coveted “Bottiglie” awards, 5 esteemed “Monete” recognitions, and a remarkable 112 “Top Wine” commendations from Slow Wine.
Tuscany’s reputation as a heaven for exceptional wines requires no reiteration. The extensive array of outstanding labels and the diverse ampelographic heritage in the region are so vast that the 320 wineries featured in this year’s guide represent just a glimpse of this immense richness.
The passion and dedication exhibited by Slow Wine’s Tuscan “assault group” are truly commendable. It is easy to imagine that becoming part of this dream team is an aspiration cherished by many admirers of good, ethical, and exceptional wines from this legendary region.
Tuscany: A Record-Breaking Legacy
With a history spanning a thousand years, Tuscany has always been a trailblazer in the world of wine. It proudly claims the distinction of hosting Italy’s first DOC and first DOCG designations. Though the first four Italian DOCs received recognition through the Presidential Decree of March 3, 1966, Vernaccia di San Gimignano swiftly took the lead by publishing its production regulations in the Official Gazette, making it Italy’s first DOC wine.
The pinnacle of excellence was unequivocally cemented on July 1, 1980, with the Presidential Decree assigning the first Italian DOCGs to Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Notably, it was Vino Nobile that earned the privilege of receiving the inaugural DOCG label (AA 000001) and the rest is history.
This year, Slow Wine encapsulates this tale with 36 Chiocciole (snails), 20 Bottiglie (bottles), 5 Monete (coins), and 112 Top Wines. Selecting from the 320 wineries featured in this authoritative guide is a herculean task, for each one is a genuine treasure. For the sake of convenience, we will focus on the vanguards of excellence, presenting three boutique wineries that have claimed the Top Wine accolade, epitomizing the essence of the Slow philosophy.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano – Top Wine
Federico Montagnani, a rising star in San Gimignano, together with his father Pietro, has always been a formidable vigneron. However, it is only in recent years that he embarked on the Terre di Sovernaja winery project, and with the invaluable expertise of the young and gifted oenologist Andrea Pizzolato, he has achieved remarkable success in no time.
Federico graced the guide last year, clinching the Top Wine award, and he repeats this feat today by once again placing his Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG Viti Sparse 2021 at the very top of this distinguished appellation.
Brunello di Montalcino – Top Wine
Ilaria Martini, the visionary behind the petite San Guglielmo estate, has gracefully tiptoed onto the Montalcino scene very recently. Knowing that excellence was the only route to prominence in such a renowned region, she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. Debuting with the 2016 vintage, she immediately left her indelible mark, and within just two years, she earned a well-deserved place in this authoritative guide. Her Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 was honored with the prestigious Top Wine award.
With a heart-shaped vineyard spanning just over a hectare, nestled within an enchanting woodland, Ilaria has unquestionably captivated a legion of admirers with her vibrant, balanced, precise, and exquisitely graceful wines
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – Top Wine
“As long as it takes” this is the motto of the virtuous Podere il Macchione winery in Montepulciano. In the year that witnessed the release of the 2019 Riserva, Simone Abram proudly presents his Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva 2017. Despite the challenges posed by the vintage, it swiftly ascended to the rank of Top Wine in 2024 edition. Dedication, patience, meticulous grape selection, and an unwavering respect for the wisdom of nature are the core values underpinning Simone’s approach to vineyard management and production philosophy.
The deliberate choice of using nothing but Sangiovese to craft his wines, imparts a vibrant elegance and unequivocal grandeur to all his labels, particularly the Riserva, exemplifying the pinnacle of this extraordinary grape variety.
For those who couldn not partake in the grand celebration in Milan, we have wonderful news: celebrations will be reprised at the third edition of the Slow Wine Fair, scheduled at BolognaFiere from February 25 to 27, 2024
© Riproduzione riservata
Enjoyed this article? Share it and subscribe to this Blog to support us. Join the other 1,553 followers and receive more content like this in your mailbox. Thank you!
Your personal data will never be shared with anyone and will only be used fo this purpose.
Se ti è piaciuto questo articolo condividilo e iscriviti al Blog per supportarci! Unisciti agli altri 1.209 follower e ricevi i nuovi contenuti direttamente nella tua mailbox. Grazie!
Questo Blog non ha scopo di lucro e la tua email non sarà mai condivisa con terze parti.
Sommelier on a Mission 