Albatreti – Montalcino, Tuscany

The Albatreti winery was founded by Gaetano Salvioni, a graduate of Fine Art from Florence University and cousin to the world-famous Giulio Salvioni (La Cerbaiola). Gaetano’s father and mother owned small properties in the surroundings of Montalcino so viticulture and winemaking have always been a significant part of their lives. The property was almost abandoned after the great frost of January 1985 when about 1000 olive trees were killed by the polar temperatures. Only a small vineyard (0.15 ha), high density planted, resisted the frost. Gaetano and his wife, from whose family the property originated, decided to shift the production to grapes and wine. Alongside the small old vineyard in 1999 they planted 2.5 hectares of Sangiovese, followed by another 2 hectares few years later. Gaetano’s Rosso di Montalcino ages in 6,5hl Botti for 10 months and a further 6 months in bottle before release. Around 3,000 of the Brunello di Montalcino are produced. Aging is split between 10 months in 1hl cask and 3 years in 6,5hl botti.