Monteti, Tenuta
Summary
Founded in the late 1990s by Paolo and Gemma Baratta, Tenuta Monteti cultivates 15-20 hectares of primarily Bordeaux varieties in southern Maremma's mineral-rich clay and limestone soils, producing two Super Tuscan IGT blends influenced by the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea. Their meticulous approach includes hand harvesting, temperature-controlled fermentation, and extended French oak aging, reflecting the innovative spirit that has helped elevate Maremma's reputation since their establishment.
Heritage & Leadership
Tenuta Monteti was established in the late 1990s, specifically around 1998-1999, by Paolo and Gemma Baratta. The couple acquired previously uncultivated land in the Maremma region of southern Tuscany, transforming it into a wine estate focused on premium viticulture. The Baratta family selected this particular area near Capalbio for its viticultural potential, despite it being outside the traditional winemaking zones of Tuscany.
The estate represents part of the newer generation of Tuscan wine ventures that emerged in the Maremma coastal region during the 1990s, when this area began gaining recognition for quality wine production. Unlike many traditional Tuscan estates with centuries of history, Tenuta Monteti was developed from the ground up with a specific vision for producing high-quality wines using predominantly Bordeaux varieties rather than the indigenous Sangiovese that dominates much of Tuscan viticulture.
Vineyards & Wines
Tenuta Monteti encompasses approximately 30-40 hectares of land in total, with about 15-20 hectares dedicated to vineyards. The estate is situated near Capalbio in southern Maremma, with vineyards positioned at moderate elevations between 100-200 meters above sea level. This location benefits from the maritime influence of the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea, which moderates temperature extremes and contributes to the growing conditions.
The vineyard soils comprise a mix of clay and limestone components, providing good drainage and mineral content for the vines. Rather than focusing on traditional Tuscan varieties, Tenuta Monteti has dedicated its vineyards to Bordeaux varieties, with plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. This varietal selection places the estate firmly in the "Super Tuscan" category of Tuscan wine production.
The estate produces two main wines. The flagship wine, "Monteti," is a premium Bordeaux-style blend that showcases the estate's terroir and winemaking approach. The secondary wine, "Caburnio," typically features a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. Both wines are classified under the IGT Toscana designation, as the estate lies outside any DOCG zone.
Philosophy & Practice
Tenuta Monteti's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the unique characteristics of their Maremma terroir through Bordeaux varieties. The estate follows meticulous vineyard practices, including hand harvesting of all grapes to ensure optimal fruit quality and selection.
In the winery, production techniques emphasize quality over quantity, with temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve fruit character and freshness. The aging process involves French oak barrels, with top wines typically spending 18-24 months in oak before bottling. This extended aging period allows the wines to develop complexity while integrating the oak influence.
The estate maintains relatively limited production, estimated at under 100,000 bottles annually across their wine portfolio. This focused production scale allows for attention to detail throughout the winemaking process. The decision to work primarily with Bordeaux varieties rather than traditional Tuscan grapes reflects the estate's commitment to producing wines that best express their specific terroir, rather than adhering strictly to regional traditions.