LLS Portfolio Book

Altesino

Near the end of 2002, Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, owner of nearby Tenuta Caparzo, purchased the Altesino winery. Winemaker Claudio Basla remained with the estate, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining Altesino’s hard-earned reputation as a Montalcino institution and a global leader in innovative winemaking.

Toscana Rosso IGT Rosso di Altesino is based on the Sangiovese grape but always contains about 20% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are hand-harvested from estate vineyards. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel followed by six to eight months of maturation before bottling. Crafted for accessibility, the fresh fruitiness of Rosso di Altesino is ready to be enjoyed upon release.

“Palazzo d’Altesi” Sangiovese Toscana IGT Named after the main villa at Altesino, this is a modern take on a Tuscan classic. Made entirely from Sangiovese grapes that are hand selected from the prestigious Montosoli vineyard. One third of the grapes undergoes carbonic maceration and the entire batch is then fermented in temperature- controlled, stainless steel tanks. To provide additional elegance, Palazzo Altesi is aged in Allier barriques for approximately one year.

“Alte d’Altesi” Toscana IGT The name of the wine, which translates to “highest in Altesi,” refers to the fact that the grapes for this wine are sourced from some of the estate’s highest vineyards. This wine is made from a blend of equal parts Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, all of which are hand harvested in September. The wine is then aged for 12 – 14 months in French oak barriques.

Rosso di Montalcino DOC Altesino makes this Rosso di Montalcino entirely from select Sangiovese Grosso grapes sourced from the younger vines in the Altesino, Pianezzine, Macina, and Castelnuovo dell’Abate vineyards. After the fermentation process in stainless steel, the wine ages in large barrels of varied maturity for six to eight months followed by three months in bottle. The final wine is a perfect and accessible introduction to the terroir of Montalcino.

74

WINES OF CENTRAL ITALY