Toscana
, Italy
Winery Overview
In 2002, Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, owner of nearby Tenuta Caparzo, purchased the Altesino winery. Winemaker,
Claudio Basla, remained with the estate emphasizing his commitment to maintaining Altesino’s hard earned
reputation as a Montalcino institution and a global leader in innovative winemaking.
Location of Vineyard
Amid the eastern hills of Montalcino, near Siena in central Tuscany, stands the magnificently elegant 14th century
Palazzo Altesi, home to the Altesino winery. The ancient coat of arms, carved in white Carrara marble is still visible
above the antique oak portal. The stunning Palazzo Altesi beautifully reflects Altesino’s charm and refinement.
Winemaking Philosophy
Though the worldwide reputation of Brunello has encouraged some conservatism among Montalcino estates,
Altesino has always been a leader, unafraid of innovation. The estate pioneered the technique of aging its IGT wines
in small, French oak barrels, limiting the time spent in oak to enhance each wine’s personality. The resulting wines
were a groundbreaking improvement over those produced by traditional methods. No longer overwhelmed by
wood, they were able to display the unique characteristics of the fruit with softened tannins and perfect balance.
Altesino became the first Montalcino estate to introduce the concept of cru wines, made with a special selection
of grapes from a single vineyard. Its Montosoli Brunello, named after the prestigious vineyard, was the first of these
wines and is still considered among the region’s finest. Altesino also pioneered the concept of Brunello futures
(wine purchased before its release) with its 1985 vintage. This commitment to innovation led to many modern
wines in the estate’s portfolio, including Alte d’Altesi, Palazzo Altesi and Rosso di Altesino. Elegance, finesse and a
fruitier, richer style are the trademarks of Altesino’s wines, which have earned the estate a position among the very
top producers of Brunello.
Toscana
, Italy
Winery Overview
The Castellare estate is one of the best examples of tradition in the area. The winery’s owner, Paolo Panerai, has
closely studied the world’s best wineries and applied this understanding and experience to viticulture in Italy.
Location of Vineyard
The Castellare property, located in Tuscany’s Castellina in Chianti, has become a virtual refuge for wildlife, including
many of the birds pictured on their labels. With each vintage, the Castellare label shows a different bird symbolizing
the estate’s commitment to environmentally sound cultivation. Birds selected for the labels are among the rarest in
Chianti, and represent birds threatened by extinction, due to synthetic chemical products and hunting, which are
forbidden on the property.
Winemaking Philosophy
In the town of Castellina, one of Chianti’s best locales, Castellare’s vineyards are located at 1,200 feet above sea level,
with only a few Chianti Classico vineyards at a higher elevation. The vineyards of this 46 acre property are found
in a natural amphitheater in the heart of the Classico region. At Castellare, the yield per acre is very low, far lower
than the maximum level allowed by Chianti Classico DOCG rules, which enhances the concentration of aromas and
flavors. Only traditional varieties are used in the production of Chianti at Castellare.
