Mastrojanni
Summary
Mastrojanni, owned by the Illy family since 2008, cultivates 39 hectares in southeastern Montalcino near Castelnuovo dell'Abate, with 24 hectares dedicated to Sangiovese for their Brunello production from vineyards at 180-400 meters elevation with significant diurnal temperature shifts. Their traditional winemaking approach features extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks followed by prolonged bottle maturation, while sustainable vineyard practices with restricted yields create wines balancing power and elegance with notable aging potential.
Heritage & Leadership
Mastrojanni was established in 1975 when Gabriele Mastrojanni, a lawyer and businessman from Rome, purchased land in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, a small village in the southeastern corner of Montalcino. The estate remained under family ownership until 2008, when it was acquired by Gruppo Illy, the Italian coffee company led by Riccardo Illy. This acquisition marked a significant expansion of the Illy family's wine portfolio, which includes other properties in Montalcino.
Under Illy ownership, Andrea Machetti has continued as the estate's managing director, a position he has held since the 1990s. Machetti works alongside winemaker Maurizio Castelli to maintain continuity in the estate's winemaking approach while implementing strategic improvements. The transition to Illy ownership brought additional investment in both vineyard management and cellar technology, while preserving the traditional character that had defined Mastrojanni's wines during its first three decades.
Vineyards & Wines
Mastrojanni's estate encompasses 39 hectares of vineyards situated in the southeastern zone of Montalcino near the medieval village of Castelnuovo dell'Abate. Of these, 24 hectares are dedicated to Sangiovese for Brunello production. The vineyards are planted at elevations ranging from 180 to 400 meters above sea level, with varying exposures that contribute to the complexity of the estate's wines.
The property is divided into several distinct vineyard sites, including Loreto, Schiena d'Asino, and Canalicchio, each with particular soil compositions featuring a mix of clay, limestone, and galestro (a friable schist typical of Tuscany). These varied terroirs allow for the production of site-specific wines that express different facets of the Montalcino territory.
Mastrojanni's portfolio centers on Sangiovese-based wines, including their flagship Brunello di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (produced only in exceptional vintages), and Rosso di Montalcino. The estate also produces IGT Toscana wines incorporating international varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, including their San Pio blend.
Philosophy & Practice
Mastrojanni adheres to traditional winemaking methods while incorporating modern technology where it enhances quality without compromising authenticity. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand, with careful selection in both the vineyard and at the sorting table. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise management of the extraction process.
For their Brunello di Montalcino, the estate follows a maturation regimen that exceeds the minimum requirements of the appellation. The wines age for approximately three years in large Slavonian oak casks (30-54 hectoliters), followed by additional bottle aging before release. This approach preserves the fruit character and territorial expression of the Sangiovese while allowing for the gradual development of complexity.
In the vineyard, Mastrojanni practices sustainable viticulture with limited intervention, focusing on maintaining natural balance in the ecosystem. Vine density averages 5,000 plants per hectare, and yields are kept deliberately low to ensure concentration and quality. The combination of southeastern exposure, significant day-night temperature variations, and meticulous vineyard management contributes to the distinctive character of Mastrojanni's wines, which balance power with elegance and aging potential.