Avignonesi
History and Background
Avignonesi, named after the founding family, is located in the Montepulciano region of Tuscany, Italy. Established in the 16th century, it has undergone significant evolution and expansion over the centuries. The winery came into prominence in the late 20th century when it was acquired by the Falvo family, who invested in modernizing its facilities and vineyards, enhancing its reputation for quality Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The estate was acquired by Virginie Saverys in 2009.
Vineyards and Terroir
Avignonesi's vineyards are situated in the Montepulciano region of Tuscany, Italy, covering over 200 acres and benefiting from the region's rolling hills and ideal growing conditions:
Soil Composition: The soils are a mix of clay, sand, and limestone, providing excellent drainage and mineral content for the vines.
Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Sangiovese for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, as well as other varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon for its Super Tuscan blends.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Avignonesi's wines are celebrated for their elegant and complex profiles that feature lush notes of blackcurrant, plum, and an array of spices, complemented by aromatic undertones of tobacco and cedar. Their varietals are characterized by a notable acidity, which delivers freshness, alongside firm tannins that underline their capacity for outstanding aging potential.
- Winemaking Philosophy: Avignonesi is dedicated to a winemaking approach that harmoniously combines traditional methods with innovative practices. This philosophy emphasizes the clear expression of their distinct terroir. Their commitment to sustainability and organic farming practices plays a crucial role, highlighted by sophisticated vineyard management techniques, such as hand-harvesting and selectively thinning the crop to achieve the highest standards of grape quality.
- Influence on Style and Quality: Avignonesi's commitment to meticulous vineyard care and deliberate production methods significantly influences both the style and the quality of their wines. The measured introduction of new oak aging imparts a subtle complexity and enhances the texture, while adhering to organic principles and precise viticulture ensures each grape variety can express its inherent quality traits. This fusion of careful stewardship and refined processing crafts wines that are not only powerful and refined but also proudly showcase their origins with each sip.
Reputation
Avignonesi, a prominent wine producer based in Montepulciano and Cortona in Tuscany, Italy, holds a distinguished reputation for its high quality and innovative approach to viticulture and vinification. As a leading winery in the region, Avignonesi is renowned for its commitment to biodynamic farming, a practice emphasizing sustainability and the holistic interrelationship between soil, plants, and animals. This dedication not only enhances the ecological balance but also reflects in the purity and quality of their wines.
One of the unique aspects contributing to Avignonesi's prestige is its production of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which the winery helped elevate to a DOCG status, underlining their influence in the Italian wine industry. Additionally, the Avignonesi Vin Santo, a labor-intensive dessert wine, showcases an extraordinary commitment to traditional winemaking practices. Their Vin Santo involves aging Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes in oak barrels for over a decade, resulting in a complex and highly sought-after wine.
Moreover, Avignonesi excels in implementing cutting-edge technologies and methods, such as gravity-fed cellars and computerized peristaltic pumps, to maintain wine integrity from the vineyard to the bottle. These progressive measures, along with their dedication to biodynamic principles, position Avignonesi at the forefront of innovative and sustainable wine production.
Final Thoughts
Avignonesi, a distinguished wine producer in the Montepulciano region of Tuscany, sets itself apart through its firm commitment to organic and biodynamic farming practices, prioritizing the integrity and purity of the terroir. Renowned for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Avignonesi not only focuses on producing high-quality wines but also on sustainability and environmental stewardship, fostering a harmonious balance between nature and winemaking. The winery's innovative approach includes a landmark project to clone Sangiovese grapes, enhancing both the diversity and resilience of this varietal. Avignonesi’s dedication to meticulous winemaking processes and environmental ethics positions it as a distinguished leader in the Italian wine industry, producing wines that genuinely reflect the essence of their origin.