Poliziano winery
Poliziano is a prominent wine producer located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, with its estate situated near the medieval town of Montepulciano. Founded in 1961 by Dino Carletti, the estate takes its name from the 15th-century poet Angelo Ambrogini, known as “Poliziano.” Over the years, the estate has grown from an initial 22 hectares to more than 170 hectares of vineyards, primarily planted with Sangiovese, locally referred to as Prugnolo Gentile. The estate remains family-owned and is currently managed by Dino’s son, Federico Carletti, who has steered Poliziano to international acclaim through a combination of tradition, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Poliziano’s vineyards are located on the gentle slopes surrounding Montepulciano, at altitudes ranging from 280 to 450 meters above sea level. The soils are a mix of volcanic clay and tufa, offering ideal conditions for growing Sangiovese, as well as other varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colorino, and Canaiolo. The estate places a strong emphasis on sustainable viticulture, minimizing chemical interventions and focusing on the health of the vines and the surrounding environment. Vineyard management is meticulous, with careful selection of grapes and low yields to ensure concentration and complexity in the wines.
The flagship wine of the estate is the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a classic Tuscan red that showcases the elegance and structure of Sangiovese from this unique terroir. Poliziano produces several expressions of Vino Nobile, including the standard bottling and the single-vineyard “Asinone,” which has become a benchmark for the appellation. Asinone is crafted from the estate’s best parcels and is known for its depth, balance, and aging potential. In addition to Vino Nobile, Poliziano also produces Rosso di Montepulciano, a more approachable and youthful wine, as well as a range of IGT Toscana wines that allow for experimentation with international varieties and blends. Among these, “Le Stanze” stands out as a Bordeaux-style blend that demonstrates the estate’s versatility and modern approach to winemaking.
In the cellar, Poliziano combines traditional techniques with modern technology to create wines that are both expressive and refined. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, and aging is carried out in a mix of French and Slavonian oak barrels, with careful attention paid to the choice of wood and the duration of maturation. The result is a portfolio of wines that balance fruit purity, structure, and complexity, reflecting both the character of the land and the vision of the estate.
Poliziano’s commitment to quality extends beyond the vineyard and cellar. The estate is deeply connected to the local community and landscape, supporting cultural and environmental initiatives in Montepulciano and the surrounding region. With a philosophy rooted in respect for tradition and a forward-looking approach to viticulture and winemaking, Poliziano continues to set standards for excellence in Tuscany and beyond, offering wines that capture the spirit and heritage of their origins.