Altesino

Set amongst the northeastern hills of Montalcino, the imposing structure of the 15th century Palazzo Altesi overlooks the estate. Built by the Tuscan Tricerchi family, whose marble crest can still be seen over the old oak entrance door, since 2002 Altesino has been owned by the Gnudi Angelini family and the winemaking is the responsibility of Paolo Caciorgna.
On a total area of about 100 hectares, half of which are vineyards (50 hectares), extend the six plots that make up the company’s productive heart.
One parcel in the north – Altesino, one in the north east Macina, two in the north west – Cerbaia and Montosoli (which also was the first Cru in the history of Brunello di Montalcino and always famous for the production of wines of extreme elegance), one in the area of Sant’Angelo in Colle – Pianezzine and finally one in Castelnuovo dell ‘Abate – Velona.
In addition to Sangiovese, which constitutes the majority of the vines (used for the production of Brunello, Rosso di Montalcino and Palazzo Altesi), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are cultivated (which in blend with Sangiovese give the Alte d’Altesi and the Rosso di Toscana), the Trebbiano and the Malvasia (for Vin Santo), the Vermentino, the Chardonnay and the Viognier destined for the production of Bianco di Altesino.
Despite some technical changes over the years, the stylistic imprint of the wines produced remains oriented towards the elegance and austerity of a classic Brunello for aging.
The company is a result of the various and important structural innovation that have involved the Brunello di Montalcino for forty years. As a forerunner in the pursuit of excellence, with the introduction of the “Cru” concept (Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli) concept in 1975, Altesino was the first winery to use barriques in 1979. In 1977, the first Grappa di Fattoria was created and produced by Altesino, thanks to the help of the master distiller Gioacchino Nannoni. Over the last forty years an intense relationship has been developed with the land full of history, with its almost sensual beauty that is physically perceived and its subtle charm that reaches the body and soul. This is the philosophy that inspires Altesino to produce wine and maintain its culture.
The winery’s outlook combines an essential respect for the trust in tradition with a forward-looking perspective, resulting in wine that retains the unique and high quality reputation of Brunello.
From its emphasis on traditional methods of agriculture, the careful hand selection of the grapes, to the rose bushes which overlook each of the vines – Altesino firmly maintains its control over quality, principle that governs every aspect of life and work at the estate. The company’s philosophy has always been to create high quality wines and this is why so much attention is devoted to every single detail.