Overview Estate Owned by: Guilio and Miriam Caporali Wine Region: Toscana Winemaker: Yves Glories Total Acreage Under Vine: 86 Estate Founded: 1973 Winery Production: 100,000 Bottles

Location Valdipiatta is located in southeastern Tuscany, in the very heart of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano appellation. The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano production zone is the hilly part of the Commune of Montepulciano. The average annual precipitation is around 29 inches, with rainfall being concentrated in the October-December and March-June periods, and the average temperature is about 57°F.

Location The estate comprises 100 acres of land, at an average of 1,200 feet above sea level. 86 acres are vineyard and an additional 5 acres are olive grove. The soil is composed mainly of clays, sands, and fairly loose sandy clays, with lens-shaped pockets of pebbles and the presence of fossils from the Tertiary period of the Middle- Lower Pliocene.

History Valdipiatta was founded in 1973 It wasn’t until Giulio Caporali purchased the property in 1990 that it began to earn a reputation for producing some of the finest Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The vineyards were replanted with the aim of producing Prugnolo Gentile (the local name for Sangiovese) grapes Purchased additional vineyards in prime growing areas of Montepulciano. Set about overhauling the cellar with the installation of the most up-to-date equipment and the introduction of small oak barrels from the finest French coopers. Since 1998, the estate has collaborated with renowned enologist Yves Glories from the University of Bordeaux. In 2002, Giulio’s daughter Miriam took over as the estate’s General Manager.

History Valdipiatta’s wines are made exclusively from estate-grown fruit. 80% of the vineyards are planted with Sangiovese Native Canaiolo and Mammolo vines are also grown. A small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir vines are grown to craft a handful of innovative and refined IGT wines. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano accounts for two thirds of Valdipiatta's production.

Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was granted DOCG status in 1980 and was the first wine to be released with that top classification. Under the DOCG rules, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano must be made from a minimum of 70% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangioveto Grosso), and can be blended with up to 20% Canaiolo Nero, and up to 20% other authorized varietals. The grapes must be grown, vinified and bottled within the commune of Montepulciano. The resulting wines must be aged for a minimum of two years, with a minimum of one year in wood, and must have a minimum alcohol content of 12.5%. Riserva wines must be aged a minimum of three years and contain at least 13.0% alcohol.

Owner Guilio Caporali - Founder & Owner Purchased the estate in the late 1980s “It is my Shangri-la,” is how Giulio describes Valdipiatta. In 2002, he turned over management of the estate and winery to his daughter Miriam. Today, he enjoys living at Valdipiatta, where he has found an ideal environment to conduct research and pursue his interests in history and literature. A passionate scholar, Giulio translated from Latin, the Charter of the town of Montepulciano, a manuscript from 1337AD. Most recently, he published an essay on the Etruscan origins of the name of Montepulciano.

Owner Miriam Caporali - Owner and General Manager A young entrepreneur and a Business Administration graduate from the University of Rome. From 1997 to 2002, Miriam worked closely at her father’s side at Valdipiatta, learning all the various aspects of winery management. In Bordeaux, she took an advanced class in wine tasting and winemaking. In 2002 she decided to dedicate herself completely to the family business, taking over its management. She serves as general manager in charge of sales and public relations. In 2004, she purchased another vineyard not far from Valdipiatta, further increasing the size and potential of the Estate.

Winemaker Yves Glories Professor Yves Glories is the dean of the Faculty of Bordeaux University’s legendary oenology department. He is also the consultant to several premier cru estates, including Chateaux Margaux and Haut-Brion. With more than 40 years of experience, he is known for his uncanny ability to taste a wine and diagnose the cause of any defects. A chemist by training, Glories is as comfortable talking soil samples as he is analyzing color molecules or discussing the pro’s and con’s of vinification tanks. Prof Glories has worked as a consultant at the Valdipiatta estate since 1998.

Winemaker Yves Glories In the 1990s, Glories developed a method known as ‘phenolic maturation,’ which allows him to determine the exact point in grape maturation when the polyphenols in the skins and the tannins in the pips can best be extracted without any unpleasant sensations remaining in the pressed juice. With this knowledge, he developed a vinification program for each lot in a vineyard, allowing each to be harvested at the most opportune moment.

Key Selling Points 1.Exclusively from estate grown fruit 2.2/3 of production goes into Vino Nobile, making this top quality bottling the real focus of the production 3.While international varieties are allowed up to 20% in Vino Nobile, Valdipiatta exclusively uses the traditional grapes of the zone 4.Father – Daughter succession in family owned business 5.Owned and operated by a woman who learned enology and estate management from her father and also holds a degree in business

Building The Brand 1.Since 1998, the estate has collaborated with renowned enologist Yves Glories from the University of Bordeaux. In 2002, Giulio’s daughter Miriam took over as the estate’s General Manager 2.Vineyards are planted at 1,200’ above sea level with 80% Sangiovese, Prugnolo Gentile clone of exceptional caliber 3.Vino Nobile should be positioned as a more structured and restrained expression of Sangiovese and Tuscany, representing a more traditional style from Montalcino 4.Target regionally specific Italian wine programs, as well as buyers that would prefer to steer clear of common categories

Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo Nero A fresh, classic, and interesting ruby-red Chianti with bright cherry and raspberry aromas that follow through into the palate, complemented by full-bodied richness, integrated tannins, and balanced, fresh acidity, giving an overall impression of elegance in its long finish. Pair with pastas in rich sauces, roasted game or beef, and aged cheeses.

Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 80% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo Nero, and 5% Mammolo This fresh, youthful Rosso offers ripe aromas of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries with subtle notes of flowers and spices. Elegant and smooth on the palate, it is silky with balanced tannins and lively acidity that persist over a long finish. This Rosso pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from hearty soups or buttery, rich pastas, to grilled tenderloin with herb sauce.

Vigna d'Alfiero Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 100% Sangiovese This wine is affectionately named after Alfiero Carpini, who was the first vineyard manager at Valdipiatta. Rich, velvety, and full-bodied ruby-red wine. Aromas of wild berries and spice prevail on the nose, followed by subtle hints of citrus and violets. Full-flavored, fleshy, and powerful on the palate, this wine shows tremendous structure and complexity. An ideal companion for braised red meat and game, elaborate rice dishes, as well as aged cheeses, sopressata and chorizo.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 85% Prugnolo Gentile and 15% Canaiolo Nero The Caporali family has implemented many of the same techniques used in France in Montepulciano. Intense notes of ripe wild berries are followed by elegant notes of spices and tobacco. Lush and velvety on the palate, this wine offers a full- flavored, powerful profile with smooth, elegant tannins and bright acidity. Pairs well with elaborate dishes such as rich pastas, grilled or roasted pork, lamb, beef or game, and flavorful aged, cheeses.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Distribution Channel On Premise: 50% Off Premise: 50% Varietal Composition 85% Prugnolo Gentile and 15% Canaiolo Nero Competitive Set Avignonesi (Dallaterra ) $29 Poliziano (Palm Bay) $25-30 La Braccesca (Antinori- St. Michelle) $22 Boscarelli (Empson) $30-35 Dei (Marc de Grazia ) $27-30 Fattoria del Cerro (Vias) $15-20 Lodolo Nuova (Ruffino - Constellation) $21 Pricing SRP: $29.99 Min. SRP: $ BTG: $18 Wine List: $55-65