Val di Suga
Summary
Val di Suga operates 55 hectares of vineyards across Montalcino, producing Brunello di Montalcino from Sangiovese grown in three distinct zones with dramatically different microclimates and soil compositions. The estate's methodical, site-specific approach includes producing three single-vineyard Brunellos that showcase the appellation's diversity through one producer's lens, offering a comprehensive portrait of Montalcino's varied expressions of Sangiovese.
Heritage & Leadership
Val di Suga was established in 1969 in Montalcino, Tuscany, marking its place in one of Italy's most distinguished wine regions. The estate changed hands in 1994 when it was acquired by Bertani Domains, a division of the Angelini Group, a privately held Italian company with diverse business interests. This acquisition brought Val di Suga into a portfolio that includes several historic Italian wine estates, providing resources for vineyard expansion and technological advancement while maintaining the winery's distinctive identity. Under Bertani Domains' ownership, Val di Suga has maintained its focus on producing wines that express the unique terroir of Montalcino, particularly through its Brunello offerings.
Vineyards & Wines
Val di Suga encompasses approximately 55 hectares of vineyards strategically positioned across three distinct zones of Montalcino, making it unique among producers in the region. Each vineyard site contributes different characteristics to the estate's wines due to varying microclimates, exposures, and soil compositions. Poggio al Granchio, located on the eastern slope at 320-350 meters above sea level, features galestro and clay soils that produce structured, powerful wines. The southwestern vineyard, Spuntali, sits at 280-300 meters elevation on sandy, well-draining soils, yielding wines with pronounced aromatic profiles. Vigna del Lago occupies the northern slope at 300-320 meters, where clay-rich soils contribute to wines with notable elegance and acidity. The estate focuses primarily on Sangiovese, the sole grape variety permitted in Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. Val di Suga's portfolio includes Brunello di Montalcino, three single-vineyard Brunello expressions (one from each distinct vineyard site), Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, and Rosso di Montalcino.
Philosophy & Practice
Val di Suga's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the territorial diversity of Montalcino through its three single-vineyard Brunellos, an approach that distinguishes it from many producers in the region. The winemaking team employs specific vinification protocols tailored to each vineyard site, respecting the characteristics of the fruit from each location. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise management of the extraction process. For aging, Val di Suga adheres to Brunello di Montalcino DOCG regulations, maturing wines in oak for extended periods—a minimum of 24 months for standard Brunello and 36 months for Riserva bottlings. The estate uses a combination of large Slavonian oak casks and smaller French oak barrels, depending on the wine and vintage characteristics. This methodical approach to viticulture and vinification results in wines that reflect both the overarching character of Montalcino and the specific attributes of each vineyard site within the appellation.