The region with its sonorous name was one of the first to receive the highest designation of origin: DOCG. Where its name comes from remains obscure to this day. For after the region's heyday in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the quality of the wine left much to be desired, especially for much of the 20th century. This changed in the 1980s however, when the small region around the picturesque town of Montepulciano was also inspired by the spirit of optimism that had worked wonders in other parts of Tuscany. Above all, wineries such as Poliziano and Avignonesi showed what was possible here and set new standards with their wines. Today, the region covers about 1,500 hectares, but the vineyard area is cultivated by just under 50 wineries. The main grape variety here is a special clone of Sangiovese, the Prugnolo Gentile. Unlike its big competitor Brunello di Montalcino, the Vino Nobile is not usually made from a single grape variety. Additions of up to 30 percent Canaiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot are permitted. The vineyards of Vino Nobile are lower than those of Chianti, but higher than those of Brunello di Montalcino and mostly have sandy or very sandstone soil. The wine turns out more powerful and alcoholic than the Chianti, but does not reach the power and fullness of a Brunello. The town of Montepulciano also has a lot to offer tourists, because the famous family has left the town some art treasures through its friendship with the Medici.