And Solengo, the Montalcino SuperTuscan
'In the world of wine, a change of ownership or a stylistic paradigm shift can reap huge benefits, but there are always risks. In the case of Argiano, change has paid off in spades, as new owners arrived with a commitment to a return to a more traditional expression of Brunello.' - Wine Spectator, Wine of the Year, November 2023
At the end of last year, 2018 Argiano Brunello claimed the coveted title of Wine Spectator Wine of the Year. The judges referenced the 'stellar' quality (and value) of a wine that is 'a leading representation of the region'. They praised the decade-long programme of investment in vineyards and cellar overseen by estate manager Bernardino Sani. And they approved of Argiano's return to a more traditional style of Brunello where the focus is on 'purity and energy'. To be sure, the 2018 growing season had its challenges, but Argiano excelled. Now we have 2019 Argiano, the fruit of a top-class growing season where the weather cooperated all the way. It's even better than the 2018.
Argiano is one of Brunello's very historic estates; the hilltop neoclassical villa dates back to 1581. When Bernardino Sani arrived in 2014, one of his first jobs was to oversee a micro-mapping of the estate vineyards. The results provided a much better understanding of how to manage each parcel, pinpoint problems and determine harvest dates. The vineyards were transitioned to organic viticulture. Then there was the total overhaul of the barrel cellar, replacing small-format barriques with Montalcino's traditional larger-format barrels (which stamp a less overt wood character on the wine). As the Wine Spectator judges noted, 'change has paid off in spades'.
Argiano has an alter ego. While the northern estate vineyards are planted to Sangiovese, the slightly warmer southern vineyards are planted to international varieties. Solengo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese; the name means 'solitary wild boar' in local dialect (wild boar sometimes terrorise vineyard workers). It's a wine that perfectly epitomises the compelling marriage of French varietals and Tuscan terroir that we think of as SuperTuscan. /NT
Offered subject to remaining unsold; for shipment Winter 2024
