Taste Tuscany Without Leaving Canada
Savour Quality from Europe: Tuscany’s Wine and Olive Oil Icons
Find New Fans in Canada
Canadians are falling in love with the real taste of Tuscany as testimonial of the European quality. This year, two of the most respected European producer groups, the Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the Associazione Produttori Olivicoli Toscani (APOT), are sharing their story through the European Union–funded campaign Savor Quality from Europe.
The campaign celebrates craftsmanship, authenticity, and sustainability by connecting Canadians with the winemakers and olive growers who represent the heart of European culture.
Why Canada’s Falling for European Products
Canada is becoming one of the most exciting destinations for premium European food and wine. Consumers here want products that tell a story: where they come from, who makes them, and why they matter. The Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and APOT see that as a perfect match for the way they’ve always worked: with respect for land, tradition, and craftsmanship.
Earlier this year, the two organizations hosted seminars and walk-around tastings in Toronto and Montreal, giving Canadian trade and media an up-close look at what makes these products special.
Meet Tuscany’s Noble Wine Collective
Few wines express place and history like Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was founded in 1965 and represents producers of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, and Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC.
Vino Nobile is made mostly from the Sangiovese grape (known locally as Prugnolo Gentile), grown on the sun-kissed hills of Montepulciano in southern Tuscany. The vineyards sit between 250 and 600 metres above sea level, where sandy and clay soils help create wines known for depth, balance, and longevity.
In 1980, Vino Nobile became the first Italian wine to earn DOCG status, Italy’s top quality designation. Today, the Consorzio continues to lead the way in sustainability. The entire Montepulciano denomination is certified under Equalitas, an internationally recognized standard that measures environmental and social responsibility across the region.
The newest chapter in the Vino Nobile story is the Pieve classification, officially recognized in 2025. The first vintage, from the 2021 harvest, marks a new level of quality that celebrates the diversity of Montepulciano’s vineyards. The classification highlights twelve historical zones, each linked to an ancient parish area. To qualify, vines must be at least 15 years old and wines must contain at least 85 per cent Sangiovese. Each Pieve bottling reflects the unique soils, exposure, and heritage of its parish, giving wine lovers a true taste of place.
The Keepers of Tuscany’s Liquid Gold
The Associazione Produttori Olivicoli Toscani (APOT) unites Tuscan producers who craft some of the world’s most sought-after extra virgin olive oils. Its members grow and press olives under European Union protections such as PGI Toscano and PDO Terre di Siena, Lucca, Seggiano, and Chianti Classico.
These designations guarantee more than just geography. They ensure that every bottle meets strict production and tasting standards, offering consumers traceability and confidence. APOT’s producers focus on early harvesting, gentle milling, and full transparency, preserving the bright, peppery character that defines authentic Tuscan oil.
For Canadians, these certifications help separate true extra virgin olive oil from generic imports, and they reinforce the connection between quality and origin.
Pour, Drizzle, Repeat: Bringing Europe Home
The “Savor Quality from Europe” campaign is about more than introducing products. It is about celebrating the values that Canadians and Europeans share, such as sustainability, craftsmanship, and curiosity about the world.
As autumn unfolds across the country, Canadians are invited to bring a taste of Europe to their tables. A glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and a drizzle of Tuscan olive oil can transform any meal into something memorable.
About the Campaign
Savor Quality from Europe is an educational and promotional program co-funded by the European Union to highlight the excellence of European agri-food products. The campaign focuses on origin, quality, and sustainability while encouraging consumers to connect with authentic European flavours.
For more information about the project, visit www.savorqualityfromeurope.eu/ and follow along on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/savorqualityfromeurope
https://www.instagram.com/savorqualityfromeurope/