Region: Tuscany, Italy

Grape: Sangiovese

Culinary Suggestions: Bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine Steak), Lamb Chops, Rich Pasta Dishes, Charcuterie

Vineyard Practice: Organic

About

The tiny L’Aietta estate run by the young Francesco Mulinari, a stone's throw from Montalcino's city walls. At well over 500 m Mulinari has planted bush vines here, somewhat haphazardly on no fewer than 18 different terraces, with a drop of 115 m between the highest and the lowest.

He has also 1 ha in the lower-lying Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Producing only Brunello di Montalcino and a Rosso, Mulinari also strongly believes that the sum is more than the parts: that using grapes from different sites allows him to create the best possible wine under changing climatic conditions. While he was still in school, Francesco Mulinari's parents, living in the town of Montalcino, bought a snip of land with olives and abandoned vines just outside Montalcino's fortified walls on a steep slope for the sole purpose of holding family picnics.

L'Aietta, as the spot is locally known, was an army encampment during the siege of Montalcino in 1555, inspired them. It is now, rightfully, the tiny wine estate's name. - Importer Note