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Source: VinConnect http://vinconnect.com


The Altesino winery overlooks the breathtaking UNESCO-heritage landscape of south-central Tuscany in the Montalcino region not far from Siena. Its beautiful estate is crowned with the 15th century Palazzo Altesi, which is the centerpiece of its winery operations. Additional modern winemaking structures are integrated into the hillside alongside it.

Altesino’s flagship wine is its single-vineyard Brunello di Montalcino “Montosoli,” made from 100% Sangiovese grapes cultivated in its most prestigious vineyard. An ambassador for Italian wine around the world and one of Montalcino’s most sought-after wines, the “Montosoli” Brunello repeatedly earns glowing reviews from the world’s top wine publications. Robert Parker called Altesino’s Montosoli “one of the most distinct and profound wines, with delicate floral and mineral nuances that are elegantly interwoven within a thicker textural consistency.” As Altesino’s flagship wine it best exemplifies the unrivaled elegance, richness and drinkability of the estate’s style.

Altesino embodies tradition and history, and at the same time perceptive innovation. Where international renown for Brunello di Montalcino has nudged many winemakers towards conservatism, Altesino has always blazed new wine trails. Founded in 1972 by Milanese entrepreneur Giulio Consonno, in 1975 the winery was the first in Brunello to introduce the concept of single-vineyard crus with its famous Montosoli bottling. The winery was also the first to experiment with French barrique in 1979, yielding wines with more fruit and complexity – a critical turning point in Brunello’s history. And, in 1985, Altesino pioneered the concept of futures in Brunello, or the selling of wines before they are bottles or released.

When Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini bought the winery in 2002, her decision to keep the only winemaker that Altesino has ever known, Claudio Basla, was central to their ongoing success delivering consistently high quality wines in the Altesino style. To supplement the team she hired Guido Orzolesi, who works as Marketing Director alongside Claudio and Enologist Paolo Caciorgna.

In addition to the Montosoli and the regular Brunello and Brunello Riserva made from Sangiovese, the team also grows several other varieties and produces Rosso di Montalcino, Super Tuscans Palazzo Altesi and Alte d’Altesi, Rosso and Bianco I.G.T., Vin Santo d’Altesi, and a selection of grappa, brandy, and extra virgin olive oil.

Should you visit Tuscany, tours of Altesino’s vineyards and cellar — bringing you through the vine rows before you visit the winemaking and maturation cellars — can be arranged here.

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