One of the most beautiful villages in the world carries a glorious history with the noble Contucci’s family legacy and their prestigious wine cellars. For at least 1000 years, the representatives of this lineage, with the title of counts, have contributed to the prestige and dignity of the enchanting Tuscan city of Montepulciano.
The family coat of arms, represented by a unicorn standing out on a blue field, is a symbol of pride and truth. The coat of arms has existed for over 500 years in their Renaissance palazzo built in 1517 by the famous architect Antonio da Sangallo the Elder. To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the palace, the Contucci family dedicated a new wine to the palace called the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Palazzo Contucci in 2017.
The social, economic, and historical role of the Contucci family in the wine industry has garnered them to be one of the world’s major producers of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, and Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is considered a DOCG wine, which means it was produced and certified to have the Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin, the highest recognition within Italian wine. It was rated “perfectissimo” (super perfect) by Sante Lancerio, in 1530.
America Domani sat down with Count Andrea Contucci, the Sales & Promotion Manager of the Contucci Winery, to talk about the magic of his family’s Italian wine production. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
America Domani: Can you tell us about your family’s fascinating history and how the production of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano began?
Andrea Contucci: The first traces of the Contucci family in Montepulciano date back to the early 1000s A.D. and, from that archival document, it’s clear that our family was already engaged in agriculture and, therefore, in viticulture - a fundamental product since the Etruscan Era, dating back 2,500 years ago!
AD: How would you describe your family business today?
AC: Ours is still a small family business. Only the four of us are involved full time. My uncle Alamanno takes care of the enological part - the production of wine and my cousin Damiano is in charge of the viticultural part, regarding the countryside. My cousin Ginevra does all of the back-office work and I’m the sales and promotion manager at the international level.
AD: What is so special about the land where your family has been producing wine for hundreds of years?
AC: Montepulciano is located in one of the most enchanting areas of Tuscany, where the presence of man is perfectly integrated with the beautiful nature that surrounds us. There is an incredible and inexplicable balance between perfectly preserved ancient villages, iconic centuries “poderi” or old farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves.
AD: Since your vineyard exports Vino Nobile di Montepulciano all over the world, how would you describe the American wine drinker from your perspective?
AC: The U.S. represents our first export market, although we have distributors in several countries around the world. Americans also embody the largest number of our visitors at our Contucci Winery in Montepulciano, about 30,000 per year. Our overseas customers are familiar with wine culture and are used to drinking well. They are excited to discover high-quality wines with a thousand-year history such as our Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
AD: Wineries and vineyards attract the attention of people like Giorgio Armani who are looking to acquire capital. Can you explain this trend and its impact?
AC: Wine, especially wines produced in areas like Montepulciano, have historically attracted the interest and investments of entrepreneurs. I can imagine that it is considered an investment with a high valuation potential, as well as a product that helps create a certain image of the investor.
AD: Many European countries compete with Italy within the wine industry. In your opinion, are there ways Italy can improve its role in the international wine industry to remain competitive?
AC: There are many European nations that have excellent wines, with great traditions that are pushing to gain space in international markets. Unfortunately, sometimes Italy arrives late to the game with no coordinated promotion policies. There is certainly a lot to do to improve the knowledge and image of Italian wines. However, it must be said that, in many markets around the world, we are among the absolute protagonists, including in the U.S. market.
AD: What tips do you have for those who wish to make winemaking and selling a full time career?
AC: Like all things, even in the world of wine, at the beginning, it takes a lot of passion, tenacity, professionalism, and luck. But, the magic of wine always helps you. If you really love and respect the industry, wine can give you great economic and personal satisfaction.
Barbara Benzoni
Barbara Benzoni was born in Milan and lives between Rome and Tuscany. She is devoted to USA, the land of courage and innovation. She’s Peter's super-lucky mum and Ale's wife. Cinema, art, good food and only beautiful things are the themes of her existence. With a degree in Italian literature and a Masters in Sports Management she can both enjoys books and basketball matches. In 25 years she has been organizing sport events all over the world and she’s been lucky enough to meet the greatest champs ever. Curiosity in everyday life and people are her drivers. Her personal icon is Mohammed Ali : "It's not bragging if you can back it up".