The promised land of Sangiovese
Villa al Cortile is located in the prestigious territory of Montalcino, the cradle of Sangiovese and wines that tell a thousand-year history. Our company covers 5 hectares, divided into three strategic areas, each with unique soil and climate characteristics that contribute to creating wines with a distinctive profile and representative of the Montalcino terroir.
In the valley between Torrenieri and Cerretalto, along the right bank of the Orcia river, we cultivate two hectares of vineyards located on flat land, about 220 meters above sea level. The soils, formed by Pliocene sands and clays superimposed on alluvial deposits rich in pebbles, offer great depth and an excellent ability to retain moisture. Despite the risk of late frosts in spring, the breezy summer microclimate ensures regular ripening of the grapes. These conditions give the wines balance, freshness and elegance.
The hill of
Torrenieri
At about 270 meters above sea level, on the hill of Torrenieri, we cultivate another two hectares of vineyards on slopes with west and south-west exposure. Here the soils, predominantly calcareous-clayey with outcrops of Pliocene and skeleton sands, favor the development of grapes characterized by a greater tannic structure. Also in this area, the risk of late cold in spring is accompanied by hot but always breezy summers. The wines produced from these vineyards combine elegance with a more assertive structure, making them particularly interesting and complex.
The hill of
Torrenieri
At about 270 meters above sea level, on the hill of Torrenieri, we cultivate another two hectares of vineyards on slopes with west and south-west exposure. Here the soils, predominantly calcareous-clayey with outcrops of Pliocene and skeleton sands, favor the development of grapes characterized by a greater tannic structure. Also in this area, the risk of late cold in spring is accompanied by hot but always breezy summers. The wines produced from these vineyards combine elegance with a more assertive structure, making them particularly interesting and complex.
In the presence of Mount Amiata
In the south-east quadrant of Montalcino, near the ancient Barbi farm and in front of Monte Amiata, an extinct volcano that has enriched the soils of the area with volcanic minerals, we cultivate one hectare of vineyard entirely with Sangiovese, at about 370 meters above sea level. Here the calcareous soil, rich in skeleton and minerals, offers the ideal conditions to enhance the power and structure of Sangiovese. The unique microclimate of this area allows the grapes to best express their character, giving the wines intensity and depth.
Each vineyard of Villa al Cortile brings its own personality to the creation of a Brunello di Montalcino that respects tradition and the territory. The result is a wine that stands out for its elegance, complexity and a deep connection with the unique landscape of Montalcino.
The kingdom of Tuscan oenology
Montalcino is located about 40 km south of Siena, on a hill that reaches an altitude of about 564 meters above sea level. This privileged position offers a panorama that sweeps from the Val d’Orcia to Monte Amiata, influencing the local microclimate. The soil of Montalcino is extraordinarily heterogeneous, with a combination of marine clays, calcareous marl, marl and shale that were formed millions of years ago. This geological mosaic allows Sangiovese to develop different characteristics depending on the area: more freshness and acidity in higher altitudes, greater structure and concentration in lower areas.
Montalcino’s climate is unique compared to other areas of Tuscany. The hill is protected from the cold of the north thanks to the natural barrier of Monte Amiata, an ancient volcano that also acts as a thermal regulator. Sea breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea help keep temperatures under control during the hot summer months. These conditions favor a slow and uniform ripening of the grapes, allowing Sangiovese to fully express its aromatic and tannic characteristics.
A wine that does not
fears time
The enhancement of the authentic character of Sangiovese is our primary goal. During the aging process, we focus on enriching the complexity of the wine and softening the tannins, while keeping the freshness of the fruity component intact. To achieve this balance, we have chosen to use large oak barrels, with capacities ranging from 20 to 50 hectoliters.
The long aging in cask favors a reduction in astringency, together with an increase in color stability and intensity. Through a careful program of topping up and decanting from one barrel to another, the wine is delicately oxygenated, favoring these positive effects. This process, prolonged over time, allows us to obtain an elegant and harmonious product, perfectly representative of our Sangiovese.
On the nose, our Brunello offers a rich and layered aromatic range, with notes of cherry, plum, blackberry, and hints of tobacco, leather, sweet spices and undergrowth. As they age, these scents evolve into tertiary tones such as truffles, licorice, and black tea. On the palate, the wine combines robust, velvety tannins with vibrant freshness, creating a balanced and persistent taste experience. Its versatility allows it to accompany important dishes such as wild boar, braised meats and aged cheeses, elevating itself to a symbol of Italian wine excellence.
A wine that does not
fears time
The enhancement of the authentic character of Sangiovese is our primary goal. During the aging process, we focus on enriching the complexity of the wine and softening the tannins, while keeping the freshness of the fruity component intact. To achieve this balance, we have chosen to use large oak barrels, with capacities ranging from 20 to 50 hectoliters.
The long aging in cask favors a reduction in astringency, together with an increase in color stability and intensity. Through a careful program of topping up and decanting from one barrel to another, the wine is delicately oxygenated, favoring these positive effects. This process, prolonged over time, allows us to obtain an elegant and harmonious product, perfectly representative of our Sangiovese.
On the nose, our Brunello offers a rich and layered aromatic range, with notes of cherry, plum, blackberry, and hints of tobacco, leather, sweet spices and undergrowth. As they age, these scents evolve into tertiary tones such as truffles, licorice, and black tea. On the palate, the wine combines robust, velvety tannins with vibrant freshness, creating a balanced and persistent taste experience. Its versatility allows it to accompany important dishes such as wild boar, braised meats and aged cheeses, elevating itself to a symbol of Italian wine excellence.
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