Altesino

In central Tuscany amid the eastern hills of Montalcino near Siena, stands the magnificently elegant Palazzo Altesi, home to Altesino winery. Built in the 14th century, with its ancient coat of arms carved in white Carrara marble, the stunning property beautifully reflects Altesino’s charm and refinement. 

Brunello is the wine of this region and protecting its worldwide reputation has typically bred conservatism among most Montalcino estates. Altesino, however, has always been a leader and innovator;

The estate pioneered the technique of aging its IGT wines in small French oak barrels, limiting the time spent in oak. No longer overwhelmed by wood and displaying the unique characteristics of the fruit, the resulting wines were a groundbreaking improvement with softened tannins and perfect balance.

Altesino was also the first Montalcino estate to introduce the concept of cru wines, made with a special selection of grapes from a single vineyard. Montosoli, named after the prestigious vineyard, was the first of these wines and is still considered among the region’s finest. 

Advances like these, and many others, led to modern wines like Alte d’Altesi, Palazzo Altesi and Rosso di Altesino. All of which display the elegance, finesse, and fruitier, richer style that are the trademarks of Altesino’s wines.  

Innovation has not been limited to the vineyards and winery; with the 1985 vintage, Altesino also pioneered the concept of Brunello futures, wine purchased before its release. 

Near the end of 2002, Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, owner of nearby Tenuta Caparzo, purchased the Altesino winery. Today’s winemaking team, led by Simone Giunti and Alessandro Ciacci, is firmly committed to maintaining Altesino’s hard-earned reputation as a Montalcino institution and a global leader in innovative winemaking.