Argiano

Tenuta di Argiano was established in 1879 and since 1992 has been owned by Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano. The estate is now managed by Sebastiano Rosa, who learnt his trade in California, followed by stints at Lafite-Rothschild and Sassicaia. Winemaking guru Giacomo Tachis acts as a consultant.

The vineyards are superbly situated on the famous Montalcino hill on a south-facing limestone plateau nearly 1000ft above sea level. Yields are restricted through extensive crop-thinning in the summer and very careful fruit selection at harvest time. The grapes are hand harvested and then fermented, before being aged for 3 years in oak barrels.

This is new-wave Brunello: richer in fruit, riper, with smoother tannins, more elegant, more balanced and more accessible in its youth.