The fame of Montepulciano’s wines goes back many centuries, but in recent decades there has been a sizeable increase not merely in the quality level but also of the acreage planted to vines and the number of labels on the market: there are, currently, 90 producers of the wines, more than double the number of only two decades ago.

Among the new houses which have made the most favorable impression, Montemercurio must surely be considered in the front rank. Though the initial vineyard, planted in the 1960’s by the grandfather of the current owners, was somewhat small in size, the house now works - with excellent results - 25 acres of vines. Located just below the splendid Renaissance church of San Biagio, one of the marvels of Tuscan architecture, the vineyards enjoy superior southwestern exposure at ideal altitudes (1500 feet – 450 meters above sea level) and are cultivated with the expert counsels of Stefano Dini.

The cellars are in equally capable hands, those of one of the rising stars of Tuscan oenology, Emiliano Falsini, who, along with the owners, has opted for the intelligent choice of aging the important wines of the house, its two Vino Nobile bottling, in casks in order to assure a discrete – but not invasive – presence of oak. Small casks, but still casks, not barrels, and the wines could not be more balanced. Much credit must be given to the Anselmi family, whose patience could well serve as a model for many another better known producer – well aware that they have wines of superior richness and length, they are in no hurry to market them. They are among the last to be released of the entire appellation, to the great benefit of their quality. And a great advantage to the consumers who purchase them.