Cerbaiona (English)

Former Alitalia pilot Diego Molinari founded the Cerbaiona estate in 1977 when he decided to put down roots on land after many years of flying the skies around the world. He and his wife, Nora, bought 14 hectares of property with a beautiful house in Montalcino. The first Brunello label came out the vintage of 1981. The " Comandante", as he is known locally, defines his Brunello as a traditional wine closely linked to the characteristics of the territory; hence the use of medium-sized wood barrels and great care with the vines in order to start with healthy raw materials.

Diego never wanted to have an enologist and, like a good captain, has always followed every step of his wine production himself. Suffice it to say that he has succeeded in producing a truly great Brunello from this rocky land, a mixture of clay and marl. There are three hectares of vineyards: some vines date back to 1977 while others to 1922. The fermentation takes place in both stainless steel and cement. Slavonian oak barrels of 20hl are used for ageing over a minimum period of three years.

After a good harvest, the average production is of about 8,000 bottles of Brunello and 5,000 of Rosso di Montalcino, which will mark its return to the market with the 2005 after a temporary pause in production. His IGT  wine, Cerbaiona 2004, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Malvasia Nera, is the second most important wine of the cellar. A strongly concentrated ruby red that stands out with notes of mature red fruit, cherry, liquorice and tar on the nose. On the palate it proves to have a great structure with very present tannins and an excellent sapidity. Prolonged finish with vegetal and roasted hints.

It is always a pleasure to taste the Brunello from Cerbaiona and its 2002 Brunello di Montalcino is certainly no exception! It is immediately captivating with scents of wild rose, violet and liquorice. In the mouth, it is intense and full. The alcohol still persists but is balanced with vigorous tannins. Very long in the finish with aftertastes of chocolate and coffee. An emotive wine!

Azienda  Agraria Cerbaiona

 Montalcino

tel. (0039)  0577.848660