Winebow Producer Book

Toscana , Italy

Winery Overview Established in 2000, by oenologist, Alessandro Cellai, Monastero was created with the sole aim of making two great wines: Pinot Nero and Campanaio. Pinot Nero, although not easily adapted to conditions in Italy, is considered to be one of the best grape varieties in the world and capable of producing wines of extraordinary elegance and harmony. Konrad Winzer, a contemporary sculptor and friend of the estate, lent his artistic talents to creating the unique labels for these wines. Location of Vineyard The Podere Monastero estate is situated in Chianti’s Castellina, in the heart of Tuscany, 1,650 feet above sea level. The vineyards occupy 7.5 acres, half of which are used for the cultivation of Pinot Nero, while the remaining acres are split between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The choice of land, clones and rootstocks were critical to the winery. The latter required extensive research, carried out by the most prestigious nurseries in France. Winemaking Philosophy Every single operation is approached with meticulous attention from vineyard to cellar. La Pineta (100% Pinot Nero), is created with this philosophy: each vine is tended right from pruning, initiating creation of a superb product. Campanaio (50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon), despite being made with grape varieties more common to the Chianti production zone, is also the result of meticulous attention, beginning with the choice of rootings. These two wines of considerable personality do their utmost to fully enhance the particular characteristics of the grape varieties of origin without disguising the positive aspects of the local terroir . Winery Overview Since it was founded in 1992, Palladio wines have received numerous accolades as Best Buys from food and wine journalists. With its stylish packaging, extreme versatility and value oriented pricing, Palladio allows the American wine drinker to enjoy the best quality wines from Chianti and Montalcino. World renowned oenologist, Alberto Antonini’s, involvement and direction serves as a guarantee that these wines are produced to be true expressions of each appellation and stand out in highly competitive categories. Location of Vineyard Grapes that produce Palladio wines are grown in the Montalbano district near the historical cities of Florence and Siena. The soil is composed mostly of clay schists, commonly called galestri, which are rich in structure and poor in organic substances. The local climate, usually a mild winter, rainy spring, hot summer and temperate autumn, is perfect for the maturation of grapes. Winemaking Philosophy At Palladio, quality winemaking begins in the vineyard where management is constant and procedures such as vine trimming, green pruning and leaf removal all ensure superior grape quality. The winery is equipped with the most technologically advanced equipment including horizontal, air pumped presses, vacuum filtration and temperature controlled fermentation; although, the greatest emphasis is placed on the selection of quality fruit at harvest. Toscana , Italy