There are no documents that bear witness to the history of Sanguineto, but popular tradition tells us that this area/zone close to the town of Montepulciano was host to some of the bloodiest battles fought between the Etruscans and the Romans. Legend has it that the ground was so red with the blood of the two armies' fallen soldiers that the area's nick-name soon became "SANGUINETO".

It also became well known for the quality of their Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) grapes. The Poderi Sanguineto 1 e 2 vineyards are situated in an area especially suited to the cultivation of Nobili grapes, at about 330 metres above sea level. The earth has Pliocenic, calcareous clay origins and is exposed to the sun from morning to evening.

This small 3.7 ha artisan estate is owned by Dora Forsoni, who tends the vines (organically) and hunts (vociferously), while her partner Patrizia makes the wine traditionally in cement and large 18-30hl slavonian and French botti. Formerly suppliers of grapes to famous neighbours Romeo and Boscarelli, the couple decided to switch to bottling their fruit in 2003. Importantly they have eschewed the use of international/French (Merlot!) grape varieties in their blends, staying loyal to the autochthonous Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese), Canaiolo and Mammolo; grapes that frame the character of true Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of Italy’s most ancient wines. Farming their land organically has no doubt helped to bring out the full expression of both place and grapes. David Berry Green