Altesino
History and Background
Altesino, founded in 1970, is a renowned Montalcino winery in Tuscany, Italy, credited with introducing the concept of Cru wines in Brunello with their Montosoli vineyard. Pioneers in the region, they were also among the first to adopt practices like barrel aging and the use of French barriques for Brunello, setting new quality standards. Their approach has not only elevated their profile but also significantly influenced Brunello di Montalcino's winemaking traditions.
Vineyards and Terroir
Altesino's vineyards are situated in the Montalcino region of Tuscany, Italy, benefiting from the region's Mediterranean climate and rolling hills:
Soil Composition: The soils are a mix of clay, limestone, and marl, providing an ideal environment for Sangiovese grapes.
Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Sangiovese, producing renowned Brunello di Montalcino wines, as well as Rosso di Montalcino and other Tuscan varietals.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Altesino's wines are renowned for their elegance and complexity, showcasing vibrant flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and spice. Aromatic undertones often include tobacco and cedar, contributing to the sophisticated profile of these wines. A notable feature is the firm tannins, derived from the high clay content in the soil, which imparts freshness and supports exceptional aging potential.
- Winemaking Philosophy: Altesino is committed to a winemaking philosophy that harmonizes traditional methods with innovative techniques, focused heavily on expressing the distinctiveness of their terroir. The winery adopts sustainable and organic practices, emphasizing the importance of ecological balance in vineyard management. Precision in every step, from hand-harvesting to selective green harvesting, ensures that only the best quality grapes are used, reflecting a deeply rooted reverence for nature and craftsmanship.
- Influence on Style and Quality: Altesino’s precise approach to vineyard management and meticulous production methods distinctly influence the style and quality of their wines. The freshness and structure are enhanced by the nan-rich soil, while the aging process in French oak barrels adds layers of complexity and nuance. This thoughtful combination of soil management, careful selection of grapevines, and controlled aging processes ensures that Altesino produces wines that are not only powerful and refined but also celebrated for their depth, longevity, and clear expression of unique terroir characteristics.
Reputation
Altesino, a renowned wine producer in the Montalcino region of Tuscany, Italy, has earned a distinguished reputation for its exceptional Brunello di Montalcino wines. Established in 1972, Altesino has been a pioneer in the development and success of this premium wine category. The winery was among the first in the region to introduce the concept of Cru wines, with the Montosoli vineyard—an early single-vineyard (or Cru) wine that emphasized the importance of terroir in Sangiovese-based wines.
Altesino is widely recognized for its commitment to quality and innovation. It was one of the first wineries in Tuscany to adopt the use of the barrique aging process, a method that utilizes smaller French oak barrels to refine the flavor and complexity of wines. This approach helped shape the modern style of Brunello, balancing traditional techniques with contemporary nuances.
A significant aspect of Altesino's prestige comes from its role in shaping the global perception of Italian wine. By focusing on quality, distinctiveness of terroir, and innovative practices, the winery has contributed to Montalcino's status as a top wine-producing area. Their wines consistently receive high acclaim from critics and wine enthusiasts for their elegance, complexity, and aging potential, underscoring Altesino's significant role in the elite circle of world-class wine producers.
Final Thoughts
Altesino is renowned in the wine world, particularly for their pioneering role in establishing the cru concept in Montalcino with their Montosoli Brunello. This approach, focusing on single-vineyard expressions, has set them apart, emphasizing the unique terroir characteristics of specific parcels of land. Impressively, Altesino was also among the first in Montalcino to adopt the now widespread practice of barrel aging wines, further enhancing the quality and complexity of their Brunello. Their commitment to innovation continues to mark them as a standout producer, with considerable contributions to elevating the stature and precision of Italian winemaking on a global stage.