Located at the heart of the Vino Nobile zone, Tenuta Valdipiatta was founded in 1973 and purchased at the end of the 1980?s by Giulio Caporali. In 2002, he handed over the management of the estate and winery to his daughter Miriam. Today, he enjoys living at Valdipiatta pursuing his interests in history and literature. A new collaboration was begun with a top Bordeaux oenologist, Eric Boissenot in 2010 who also consults for Lafite, Latour, Margaux and Palmer. The main grape varieties planted are Sangiovese (also called Prugnolo Gentile in Montepulciano) and Canaiolo. The property comprises 40 hectares, of which 30 are under vine. The vineyards are located in the eastern area of Montepulciano situated between 300?350m above sea level with varying exposure as they stretch across the hillside. The soil is primarily clay with some volcanic deposits. The oldest vineyards are planted in a 3 x 1.5m formation using the traditional Guyot training system, while the newer vines are planted at a higher density of 4500 vines per hectare and are spur cordon trained. Yields are low at around 5,000kg/ha (the legal maximum is 8,000kg/ha).