Toscana
, Italy
Winery Overview
Based in Carmignano, Pratesi is a small, family owned estate of about 37 acres, which began bottling and selling its
wine in 1983. In 1997, Fabrizio Pratesi took over the winery and shortly thereafter, modified its production philosophy
under the guidance of Stefano Chioccioli, a well known consulting oenologist and agronomist. Together they
decided to plant new vineyards at a greater density of 4,200 vines per acre, enabling them to dramatically reduce
the yields and boost the flavor concentration in the grapes. Since the Renaissance, Carmignano has had a reputation
for producing excellent wines and today, Pratesi produces rich, flavorful, elegant wines that carry on this tradition.
Location of Vineyard
Located in Carmignano, a small town in the province of Prato, northwest of Florence, Pratesi is one of 10 producers
in the area. Despite the small size of the production area, the family is able to make the most of the 20 acres under
vine by planting at an extremely high density — more than 24,700 vines per acre.
Winemaking Philosophy
For many years, Pratesi focused exclusively on the production of the Carmignano DOCG. For centuries this wine has
been made blending Sangiovese and Cabernet, unusual among Sangiovese based Tuscan wines.
Toscana
, Italy
Winery Overview
In an effort to employ environmentally sound and sustainable agriculture, natural compost and nitrogen rich plants
have replaced the chemical treatments in the San Polo vineyards. Picturesque olive groves and a magnificent
farmhouse enrich the property with genuine Tuscan charm, while the modern, underground winery and cellar
provide the best environment and technology for state-of-the-art winemaking.
Location of Vineyard
San Polo is a beautiful estate located in the southeastern part of Montalcino at 1,300 feet above sea level
overlooking the Sant’Antimo Valley and Mount Amiata. It comprises 52 acres, 40 of which are dedicated to vines.
Twenty acres producing Brunello di Montalcino, while the rest are dedicated to producing Rosso di Montalcino and
IGT wines. The vineyards at San Polo were planted between 1990 and 2000 and the first wines were produced in
1997. All vineyards have been planted at high density and are sustainably farmed.
Winemaking Philosophy
Winemaking at San Polo takes a comprehensive approach of quality and sustainability. In place of chemical
fertilizers, nitrogen rich cover crops are used to improve the soil. Additionally, careful bud selection and canopy
management aim to reduce the incidence of molds and mildews in the vineyards. The wine cellar follows the
principles of integration with the natural landscape by harnessing renewable resources to power the winery.
Winemaker, Nicola Biasi, meticulously manages the estate grown fruit and strives to keep energy consumption to
a minimum during the winemaking philosophy. The ultimate goal at San Polo is to maximize the expression of the
unique hilltop
terroir
of Montalcino, while preserving it for future generations.
