By Chiara Pietrella
In the medieval pearl of Montepulciano, between the walls full of history and the enchanting landscape of olive groves and vineyards, the Vini di Toscana wine shop was born, which is establishing itself with various locations throughout the territory as one of the most prestigious destinations for lovers of good wine and an essential point of reference for those who want to explore the oenological soul of the region (and beyond).
Montepulciano is not only a village of rare architectural beauty, but also the cradle of Vino Nobile, the first DOCG in Italy, a nectar that already in the Renaissance delighted the palates of popes and prestigious families. Inserted in this scenario, the Vini di Toscana wine shops act as ambassadors of a territory where Sangiovese finds its most elegant and aristocratic expression. Tuscany, on the other hand, is a land that thrives on harmonious contrasts: from the power of Brunello di Montalcino to the modernity of Super Tuscans such as Tignanello, Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Solaia and Masseto, of which the group of wine bars is well stocked, each bottle tells a story of soil, climate and passion.
The excellence of Vini di Toscana is not the result of chance, it is born from the vision of the Margherita Group, which has been able to create a space where attention to detail and competence guarantee those who want to taste a good wine or get to know this world an experience of the highest profile. Entering Vini di Toscana, in fact, does not simply mean visiting a shop, but embarking on a journey. Salvatore Finiello, sommelier and coordinator of all the group’s stores, as well as a great expert and enthusiast in the sector, explains it to us: “One of our strengths is hospitality. Those who come to us are not just customers, they are first and foremost our guests. The tastings are designed to understand the tastes of the taster and therefore guide both the neophyte and the collector through the nuances of the territories of origin,” he tells us. “Under the guidance of expert sommeliers, our guests can discover the subtle differences between the various vintages of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, understand the evolution of a Chianti Classico or be enchanted by the structure of the great reds of Bolgheri. Each sip is accompanied by the story of the producer, the vineyard and the winemaking technique, making the tasting a moment of culture and shared pleasure. The tastings are then enriched by tastings of local products, creating an unforgettable combination of wine and the authentic flavors of Tuscany, such as pecorino, cured meats and extra virgin olive oil”.
The real heart of the wine shop, however, lies in its precious collections. In fact, in the headquarters in Montepulciano, Vini di Toscana boasts a cellar that is a small hidden treasure, one would almost say a “vault” of liquid gold. It is always Finiello who acts as our guide in visiting shelves from which labels that have made the history of world enology peep out, explaining to us that it is possible to buy not only the latest vintages and special formats, such as Magnum and Jeroboam, but also old and very old reserves of memorable labels, such as Romanée Conti Grand Cru, champagne and collectible French wines. The selection ranges from the large wineries that have made the “Toscana” brand famous in the world, such as the Super Tuscans, to Italian and international ones, up to small niche producers who work organically or biodynamically. In this precious deposit there is also space for spirits, mostly Scottish such as Macallans. But the real pearl is a precious and unique bottle of whiskey produced exclusively for the wedding of Charles and Diana of England, which bears their initials and dates of birth on the label, a unique piece that is impossible to find elsewhere.”
“We buy from collectors and specific auctions,” Finiello explains. “At the Cortona wine shop we have exhibited a complete vertical tasting of Sassicaia since 1968, the first vintage in which it was produced. For those looking for an investment or an unforgettable gift, our collections offer absolute guarantees on the conservation and originality of the bottles, and each purchase is to all intents and purposes a piece of history to take home”.
With eleven stores distributed in the region, and recently one in Bergamo Alta, Vini di Toscana therefore represents a cultural centre of wine, where quality is the only parameter of choice. Visiting these wine bars and its “vault” in the Montepulciano headquarters means immersing yourself in an atmosphere where time seems to pass more slowly, just like wine aging in barrels. Whether you are looking for a rare bottle to add to your private cellar or simply want to find out why wine is so loved around the world, Vini di Toscana is the privileged gateway to an extraordinary universe.
Info: Wines of Tuscany, www.viniditoscana.com
Shops:
Montepulciano – Enoteca e Sede Centrale – SS 146 sud, 20 – tel. +39 0578778419
Montepulciano – Via di Gracciano nel Corso n. 46 – tel. +39 0578 717566
Montepulciano – Borgo DiVino – Via dell’Opio n. 2 – tel. +39 0578 070245
Cortona – Via Nazionale n. 61 – tel. +39 0575 048390
Pienza – Corso Il Rossellino n. 64 – tel. +39 0578 070278
Siena – Piazza del Campo – Via il Campo n. 78/79/80/81 – tel. +39 0577554564
Siena – Via di Città n. 17 – tel. +39 0577 050279
San Gimignano – Via San Matteo n. 3 – tel. +39 0577559360
Arezzo – Corso Italia n. 109 – tel. +39 0575434080
Firenze – Via Borgo Santi Apostoli n. 12 R – tel. +39 055282989
Firenze Duomo – Piazza dell’olio, n. 3R – tel. +39 055 6148153
Bergamo – via Gombito, 34/C – Bergamo Alta – tel. +39 035 318155