Tenuta Valdipiatta

Tenuta Valdipiatta sits at the heart of the Vino Nobile zone in Montepulciano, Tuscany, where Miriam Caporali has led the estate since 2002. The distinguishing factor here is the winemaking counsel: in 2010, she brought in Eric Boissenot, the renowned Bordeaux oenologist who also advises Châteaux Lafite, Latour, Margaux and Palmer. That calibre of expertise applied to Sangiovese—locally called Prugnolo Gentile—explains why these wines deliver both elegance and structure that rival far pricier bottles.

About Tenuta Valdipiatta

In the late 1980s, Miriam's father Giulio Caporali acquired this 40-hectare property; presently, 30 hectares support vineyard plantings. The vineyards occupy the eastern slopes of Montepulciano at 350 metres elevation, where the soil—composed of Pliocene marine sediments rich in fossils and alternating layers of clay and sand—creates the terroir foundation. The vines, averaging 55 years old and planted at density of 2,200 per hectare, are managed with organic fertilizers only. Production is restricted through rigorous canopy and cluster management to maintain concentration, with yields capped at approximately 5,000 kg/ha.

Half the vineyard is spur-pruned and cordon-trained; the other half uses Guyot training. This dual approach reflects careful site management across varying exposures. The flagship vineyard, Vigna d'Alfiero, occupies one of the estate's oldest parcels, named after Alfiero Carpini, the first farmer who worked here. The soil here—clay with volcanic deposits—produces silky, elegant wines that express both age and place.

Miriam's decision to engage Boissenot was transformative. His involvement has tightened the winemaking protocol while respecting Sangiovese's natural character: the wines are styled to be supple, refreshing in acidity, and structurally sound—wines that improve with food rather than dominating it.

Tenuta Valdipiatta Wines in Our Collection

The 2021 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano scored 92 points from James Suckling and Vinum Wine Magazine, with an exceptional 97 from Decanter World Wine Awards. This is the standard-bearer: bold and structured, yet approachable enough for weeknight drinking alongside roasted meats or aged cheeses.

The 2019 Vigna d'Alfiero Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is the reserve expression—the serious bottle. James Suckling awarded it 95 points; Wine Review Online also gave 95. Falstaff and Vinum both scored it 93. This single-vineyard wine carries the clay and volcanic signature of its parcel: silkier on the palate, with greater depth and ageability. If you want a Sangiovese that will evolve over a decade, this is it.

Both wines are 100% Sangiovese, produced under the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG appellation, which enforces strict yield limits and minimum aging. Neither wine is overoaked or internationally styled—they remain true to regional character while benefiting from modern winemaking discipline.

Food Pairing

The standard Vino Nobile pairs naturally with Tuscan bistro fare: ribollita, pappardelle with wild boar ragù, grilled T-bone steak with rosemary. The Vigna d'Alfiero demands slower food—braised lamb shank, aged Pecorino Toscano, or roasted game birds. Both wines cut through fat cleanly and warm up your mouth with tannin structure that food mellows into silk.

Who runs Tenuta Valdipiatta and what changed in 2010?

Miriam Caporali has managed the estate since 2002, inheriting from her father Giulio. In 2010 she engaged Eric Boissenot, a top Bordeaux oenologist who consults for Châteaux Lafite, Latour, Margaux and Palmer, to oversee winemaking.

What is Vigna d'Alfiero and why is it special?

Vigna d'Alfiero is one of the estate's oldest single vineyards, named after Alfiero Carpini, the first farmer on the property. Its clay soil with volcanic deposits produces silky, elegant wines with exceptional ageability.

What grape variety does Tenuta Valdipiatta grow?

The primary grape is Sangiovese, known locally as Prugnolo Gentile in Montepulciano. The estate also plants Canaiolo. Yields are kept low at 5,000 kg/hectare, and only organic fertilizers are used.

Who makes Tenuta Valdipiatta wines?

Miriam Caporali has led the 40-hectare estate in Montepulciano, Tuscany since 2002, advised since 2010 by Eric Boissenot, the Bordeaux oenologist. Her father Giulio acquired the property in the late 1980s.

What style of wine does Tenuta Valdipiatta make?

100% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile locally) from Montepulciano, styled supple and food-friendly with structure. The 2021 scored 92 points; the single-vineyard 2019 Vigna d'Alfiero scored 93, offering greater depth and ageability.

How much does Tenuta Valdipiatta wine cost?

Between £27 and £39. The 2021 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is £27.05; the reserve 2019 Vigna d'Alfiero is £38.80.