Description
"For me the undisputed kings of Montalcino are Soldera, Biondi-Santi and Salvioni. These three producers perfectly express the breed and pedigree that Montalcino Sangiovese is famous for and it is no coincidence that their vineyards are close to each other. The first two producers are incredibly famous yet the wines of Salvioni are still, remarkably, the most sought after, and only less than 1000 cases are produced.
Giulio Salvioni’s tiny 4 hectare organic vineyard is located high up on the hills south of Montalcino (in the original Montalcino zone before expansion to lesser areas) and is planted to 5 different clones of Sangiovese. The yields are very low and the fruit is hand-picked and delivered to Giulio’s tiny, cramped Montalcino cellar where the wine undergoes and long maceration and aged in traditional Slavonian botte. There are no tricks with the winemaking and the result is a classic style of Brunello with the emphasis on structure, finesse and freshness. There is a delicacy and detail not unlike the wines of Giuseppe Rinaldi, Bartolo Mascarello, Thierry Allemand or Phillipe Pacalet. Giulio Salvioni is one of the great producers of Italy’s old guard. Spending time in this tiny, cramped cellar in the centre of Montalcino tasting every cask is one of the great experiences for anyone who loves traditionally made Brunello.
In some years, Salvioni takes one cask and releases it early as Rosso di Montalcino. I am convinced that Salvioni's small vineyard, and that of his neighbour Diego Molinari, are among the most privileged spots for Sangiovese in Tuscany. If we were in Burgundy, these vineyards would be considered the grandest of the grand crus." - Importer Note
