When it comes to the world of wine, few things are as exhilarating as the opportunity to connect with the people and places behind the bottle. The flavors, the stories, and the passion that go into creating a single vintage are what truly make wine a living art form. I recently had the distinct pleasure of being invited to a press luncheon hosted by Fattoria della Talosa. They came all the way from Montepulciano, province of Siena. It was a delicious experience to taste their lineup right here in the bustling metropolis of New York City.
The wine pairing event of Fattoria della Talosa was expertly led by Cristian Pepi, the winery’s export manager and a knowledgeable wine steward. His passion for the wines and the history of the region was infectious. His character made the tasting not just an educational experience but a personal one. The gathering was an intimate affair, bringing together wine writers and industry professionals to celebrate the essence of Montepulciano.
The backdrop for this savory encounter with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was none other than Il Gattopardo restaurant in New York City. Il Gattopardo restaurant is a culinary landmark known for its authentic Italian cuisine. This pairing elevated the tasting, allowing us to appreciate how each wine’s character complemented the food. The authenticity of the restaurant and elegant and sophisticated atmosphere perfectly mirrored the quality of the wines. Hence, it created an environment that was authentic, vero Italiano. It was the ideal setting to transport our senses to the sun-drenched hills of Montepulciano.
This luncheon was great opportunity for a small group of writers to connect with the winery’s commitment to quality and tradition. Moreover, Fattoria della Talosa unveiled their new “Pieve Le Grazie” release. “Pieve Le Grazie” was previously featured at the Anteprima del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2025 and debuted at Vinitaly 2025.
We also explored a curated selection of Fattoria della Talosa’s exceptional wines. The tasting included some of their most iconic expressions.
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG has introduced a new “Pieve” category. Thiss category divides the region into 12 subzones whose names can now appear on wine labels. Pieve is positioned above Riserva. It is designed to highlight the best wines and their specific origins, strengthening the connection between the wine and its land. “Pieve” refers to the historical parishes that once defined the Montepulciano area.
The tasting lineup was a masterclass in the versatility and elegance of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. We began with the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Docg Toscana Alboreto 2022. Sourced from sandy and clay soils, this wine spent three years aging in French oak. It presented a beautiful acidity and a remarkable sapidity . These characteristics made it incredibly versatile and an excellent match for the antipasto it was paired with. Grilled Octopus over endive, celery, oven-dried cherry tomatoes and taggiasca olives . It was a perfect opening, showcasing the freshness and vibrant character of Sangiovese.
This wine, hailing entirely from clay soils. It was aged in large barrels, with a unique barrel program using a mix of first, second, and third-use oak. The 2020 vintage, a warm one due to the COVID harvest in September, produced a wine with greater maturity. It revealed delightful notes of dark cherry, a delicate profile, and a surprisingly light weight on the palate. This is a testament to the elegance that can be achieved even in a warm year.
The name “Filai Lunghi” translates to “long rows” . This name is a nod to the long roads of land from which the grapes are sourced. This wine, made from the first Sangiovese grapes collected during maturation, was first aged in stainless steel before spending a year in new French oak. It showed a delightful presence of tannins and a unique sapidity, which Cristian likened to salt, an element that makes a wine great when balanced with other complex flavors. Its balsamic notes from the plant added a final touch of complexity that was simply amazing.
A new release that draws its character from the sandy to clay soils of a vineyard planted in 1969. While this wine was a more recent release, its depth and structure spoke of its long-standing history.
This dessert wine was a true specialty, reflecting Talosa’s dedication to tradition and craftsmanship. It was the perfect ending to an extraordinary tasting, leaving a lasting impression of the winery’s rich heritage. The mention of a “salty wine from Sardinia” also highlighted the diversity of Italian wines and the unique terroir that defines them.
The tasting followed a classic side by-side format. Cristian Pepi was guiding us through each wine, sharing insights into the winemaking process, the unique terroir, and the stories behind each bottle. The wines were poured and presented with a level of care that spoke to the winery’s high standards. The combination of expert guidance, delicious food, and a beautiful setting made for a truly immersive and memorable event.
The highlights of the event centered on two key things: the savory pairings and the visionary approach to sustainability. The menu, curated by Il Gattopardo, was a symphony of flavors designed to complement each wine. First, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Docg Toscana Alboreto 2022 was a phenomenal match for the octopus salad. Its crisp acidity cutting beautifully through the rich texture of the seafood. Another standout pairing was with the first course, Primo, the parmiggiana of zucchini, a classic Italian dish that harmonized wonderfully with the nuanced complexity of the wines.
What truly set this experience apart was the conversation with Cristian Pepi. He is not only the wine steward but also a wellspring of knowledge about every aspect of the business. We discussed the future of winemaking, and he shared his excitement about the potential for electric tractors. He explained that Fattoria della Talosa is actively looking for ways to minimize its carbon footprint. In anticipation of a new European Union directive that would promote the use of electric machinery in vineyards, the winery is already researching and planning for this transition. This proactive stance highlights how Italy is often a step ahead in its thinking. They are focusing on innovation to protect its valuable agricultural heritage. This commitment to a minimal carbon footprint is a testament to their dedication to the land and a forward-thinking approach that balances tradition with modern sustainability.
This event was a sensory journey to one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions. It reaffirmed my belief that the best wines are those that tell a story of the land, the people, and the moments they are meant to be shared in. It was an honor to taste these exceptional wines and to experience a true “taste of Nobile di Montepulciano in NYC.”
And for those of you captivated by this story and inspired to see the magic for yourselves, I have wonderful news. The Fattoria della Talosa winery is developing a new Luxury Wine Resort slated to open in 2025. In the meantime, they already have a beautiful hospitality offering called Villa Talosa, a restored residence located right in the vineyards with a stunning view of Montepulciano. It’s an authentic place to relax and immerse yourself in the Tuscan countryside, complete with a private pool and jacuzzi. I would highly recommend a visit. It’s not just about tasting the wine; it’s about living the story, and Fattoria della Talosa is ready to welcome you into their world. Their commitment to both quality and sustainability is a model for the future of winemaking. I look forward to following their journey and perhaps even visiting them on their beautiful land soon.
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