Located just outside the city walls on SP17 on the way into/out of town from Torrita do Siena, this is a stop not to be missed. The wines here, though not widely imported into the US, are some of the best you can get in Montepulciano. Even better, you can buy a well-aged bottle directly from the cantina (2001, or even 1990). These wines are meant to age, from Antonio Gallioni (Wine Advocate, 91 points): "Fanetti's 2001 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is made in a somewhat austere, structured style that seems to be designed for extended cellaring and the development of tertiary notes rather than an overt expression of fruit. It presents tobacco, licorice, cedar and red fruit on a medium-bodied frame with notable detail and nuance in its expression." The wines are elegant, the prices are very reasonable, and the winemaker, Elisabetta (a rockstar Italian woman who has been working the vineyard and the wine presses all her life), or her daughter Giudita, are usually in the cantina and ready to pour a taste. Get a Riserva for a delicious steak dinner, or Rosso di Montepulciano for anytime drinking. They also make a delicious, spicy olive oil that I would pay big money for if it were imported to the US. Unfortunately it isn't, so I've resorted to shipping 5 liter cans back in my checked luggage. Highly recommended! read more

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