By Guest Blogger: Patrice Huber – Sip, Savour & Sojourn /
Date: May 19, 2025
Tuscany came to life in the heart of Miami on May 19, 2025, as wine lovers gathered at the stylish Amperstand Studios for a rare and refined experience — the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Master Class & Guided Tasting. Hosted in the vibrant Art and Entertainment District, this exclusive event marked the U.S. debut of Tuscany’s prestigious Le Pieve wines — and what a debut it was!
The event opened with a warm welcome by Andrea Rossi, President of the Consorzio, who introduced the esteemed wine critic and founder of Vinous, Antonio Galloni. Antonio guided us through the twelve subzones of southern Tuscany, each defined by a unique interplay of elevation, soil composition, and microclimate. These geographic nuances are now officially recognized and featured on wine labels — a nod to the region’s increasing emphasis on terroir and traceability.
Le Pieve Wines
Introduced in 2021, Le Pieve represents the most refined and elevated classification within the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, positioned above the already prestigious Riserva tier. This new designation was created to highlight wines of exceptional quality and regional character, placing a strong emphasis on origin, vine age, and production standards. It reflects a broader movement in Italian winemaking to protect and promote the most distinctive expressions of terroir.
To qualify as Le Pieve, wines must adhere to stringent criteria. They must contain at least 85% Sangiovese, known locally as Prugnolo Gentile, and the grapes must come from vines that are at least 15 years old, ensuring depth and maturity in the fruit. Additionally, the wines must undergo a minimum of three years of aging, including at least one year in oak barrels and another year resting in bottle. This careful aging process allows the wines to fully develop their complexity, balance, and elegance before release.
The intention behind Le Pieve is both ambitious and admirable: to shine a spotlight on the most expressive, site-driven wines that Montepulciano has to offer. By elevating these small, historically recognized vineyard parcels, producers are able to showcase their unique microclimates and soil compositions. The result is a class of wines that not only reflects centuries of winemaking tradition, but also sets a new benchmark for quality and authenticity in the region.
A Tasting to Remember
We were treated to a curated flight of eleven exceptional wines, each reflecting the nuanced charm of their origin. While every bottle told its own story, a few stood out as true stars of the afternoon:
Talosa Winery – Pieve Le Grazie Vigna Chiusino 2021
- 100% Sangiovese, 15% ABV
- Aged 24 months in second-use French oak, plus 12 months in bottle
- Retail Price: $170
This was my top pick. Balanced, bold, and brimming with spice, it offered a lingering, elegant finish — a wine that commands attention and earns it.
Poliziano Winery – Pieve Caggiole 2021
- 100% Sangiovese, 15% ABV
- Aged in French oak
- Retail Price: $110
Dense yet graceful, with oak notes that whispered rather than shouted. This wine was my second favorite — after all, in the world of wine, there’s always room for more than one favorite!
Tenuta di Gracciano Della Seta – Pieve Gracciano 2021
- 100% Sangiovese, 15% ABV
- Matured in Slavonian oak and bottle-aged for 12 months
- Retail Price: $99
With its vibrant finish and intense bouquet, this wine spoke of rich soils and meticulous craftsmanship.
Following the guided tasting, guests enjoyed a flavorful spread of authentic Italian cuisine, then transitioned into a walk-around tasting of additional Le Pieve wines. The relaxed, communal format encouraged lively conversation among sommeliers, importers, and casual wine enthusiasts alike. The event was hosted at Amperstand Studios, a 21,000-square-foot creative space that blends modern workspaces with open event areas — an ideal backdrop for an immersive cultural experience.
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