The village of Montalcino is one of the most spectacular sites in a region famous for its postcard ready beauty. Perched atop a hill in Southern Tuscany, it perfectly encapsulates the iconoclastic look that visitors... Read More

The village of Montalcino is one of the most spectacular sites in a region famous for its postcard ready beauty. Perched atop a hill in Southern Tuscany, it perfectly encapsulates the iconoclastic look that visitors have enjoyed for centuries. And as a bonus it is surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the world’s most noble and elegant wines from Sangiovese.

There are many dozens of wineries and castellos that dot the hills in all directions, but today there is only one that still makes their wine entirely in the heart of the village: Padelletti. The family has been making wine in their ancient cellar beneath the villa for at least 450 years, located on Via Padelletti, an honor given to the family for helping to construct the wall that surrounds Montalcino.

The family’s vineyards are located Northeast of the village on the slope of the hill facing east. This spot is a bit cooler and allows for excellent balance of power and finesse. The farming has been organic for many years and the Brunello vines are 30-50 years old.

In the cellar little has changed in many generations. The fermentation occurs with natural yeast in glass lined cement tanks and maceration lasts about 3 weeks. Then everything ages in large, Slavonian oak (ok, they do have one, 30 hectoliter, old French barrel just because) for 2 years, and an additional year plus in bottle before release.