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Do you know the type of people who just seem to have it all? Good looks, intelligence, charm, exquisite taste, and any other good or attractive human trait you can possibly think of? The same is true for Tuscan vineyards: some just have it all.
Montalcino's Sesti vineyard at Castello di Argiano is one of them. Most people who visit the winery decide on buying a case of Tuscan red before they even made it to the tasting room. The Tuscan hamlet with its medieval church and ancient tower is an amazing sight in its own right. The views over the hills of Val d'Orcia, mount Amiata and Maremma are just breathtaking. And the people living here fascinatingly eclectic and knowledgeable, but totally down-to-earth when it comes to wine making... put two and two together and you know - the wine can't but taste great.
And you won't be on your own in thinking so!
Whilst we're waiting for the 2007 (Riserva) and 2008 vintages to be unveiled at Benvenuto Brunello in Montalcino in February 2013, let's throw a quick look back at the old year to see what the wine world had to say about Sesti's Brunello 2007 and their Brunello Riserva 2006.
Jancis Robinson: "The best classical style that I tasted from all Brunello."
Franco Siciliano: "Rejecting modern fashions the Brunello Sesti appears to be timeless."
You prefer facts and figures to lyrical waxing? Here's an overview of some of the scores and prizes the Sesti winery was awarded in 2012:
- PHENOMENA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA DOCG 2006: International Wine Review, 94 score; Gambero Rosso 2013, 2 glasses; Duemilavini 2013, 4 bunches; Jancis Robinson, 17,5 score; James Suckling, 92 score; Falstaff, 92 score; Stephen Tanzer International wine cellar 90 score; Vini Buoni d'Italia 2013, Corona (Italian for crown, the highest vote possible)
- BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2007: International Wine Review, 93 score; Gambero Rosso, 2 glasses; Nicolas Belfrage Fine Wine, 16,5 score; Duemilavini, 5 bunches; Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar, 93 score; Jancis Robinson, 15 score; Vini Buoni d'Italia 2013, 4 stars; Enogea, 89 score
If you're after discovering a new Brunello, this is a winery you just can't do without. Trust me. Or better trust me, Jancis and Franco and the Sangiovese lover in the three of us. Giuseppe and his daughter Elisa Sesti just know how to produce a good old Brunello without ever seeming old-fashioned.
But hey, if you had this view every day, you'd be able to do it too.
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| Mount Amiata seen from the Sesti winery |
SESTI WINE; CASTELLO DI ARGIANO
On the south-western slopes of Montalcino five minutes from Sant'Angelo in Colle
For winery visits book in advance by email elisa@sesti.net or phone +39 0577 843921.
The Sesti vineyard produces 6 different wines. Obviously Montalcino's three flagships Rosso di Montalcino DOC, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG (called Phenomena at Castello di Argiano). But also Terra di Siena Castello Sesti (a Merlot Cabernet - Sauvignon blend), Grangiovese IGT (one of my all-time favorites known as Monteleccio IGT on the American market), Sauvignon Blanc (a dry white) and Rosato (a rosé wine). And this list wouldn't be complete without the Sesti Grappa di Brunello and the winery's extra virgin Tuscan olive oil.
An interesting article about the rather accidental birth of the Sesti winery and Giuseppe's stargazing activities can be found on Wine Searcher (by wine writer and Brunello aficionado Kerin O'Keefe).