Antinori est le nom le plus célèbre du vin italien et l'influence de Piero Antinori au cours des 25 dernières années a été rien de moins que révolutionnaire. Le vin phare d'Antinori, Tignanello, est apparu pour la première fois en 1971 et a causé une sensation par son utilisation de Cabernet Sauvignon dans un assemblage de Sangiovese et par sa pratique de vieillissement en petits fûts français. Antinori a été accusé de trahison vinicole mais bientôt des assemblages vieillis en fûts de Sangiovese et Cabernet ont commencé à apparaître dans toute la Toscane.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG is located in the hilltop town of Montepulciano in southeastern Tuscany, Italy. The appellation was granted DOCG status in 1980, making it one of Italy's earliest designated wine regions of the highest classification. The vineyards surround the medieval town at elevations between 250 and 600 meters above sea level.

The region's continental climate features warm, dry summers and cold winters, moderated by altitude and the influence of nearby Lake Trasimeno. Soils are predominantly clay and limestone with sand and gravel deposits. Sangiovese, locally known as Prugnolo Gentile, must comprise at least 70% of the blend, with Canaiolo Nero and other approved red varieties permitted. Traditional winemaking methods prevail, with extended maceration periods and aging requirements of two years minimum, including one year in wood for standard wines and three years total for Riserva bottlings.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines display the characteristic structure of Sangiovese with notable depth and complexity derived from the specific terroir. The wines typically show bright acidity, firm tannins, and flavors of red cherry, plum, and earth, often developing leather, tobacco, and spice notes with age. The altitude and soil composition contribute to wines with good aging potential and distinctive mineral undertones that differentiate them from other Tuscan Sangiovese expressions.