From our house at Collalto, we can see the towns of Montalcino (the home of world-famous Brunello) and Montepulciano (home to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano). Fantastic Chianti Classico is produced just 20 minutes away. Therefore, we felt that the climate and soil should be conducive to producing an excellent wine. The vendemmia (grape harvest time) is a magical time in Tuscany, when vines loaded with ripe grapes blanket the countryside. The weather is often sunny and warm, and the entire region hums with frenetic activity. This combination of climate, terroir and attention to detail allow us to produce a wine of the highest quality that you are sure to enjoy.

Robert Buly

Vineyard Location: Podere Collalto-Trequanda (Siena) Italia 53020

Soil: Argilla (Clay) and Arenaria (Sandstone)

Training System: 70% Unilateral Cordon-spur trained (cane pruned) and 30% Guyot

Elevation: 515 m above sea level

Enologist:

Diego Ciurletti

Agronomist: Alessandro Gemini

Cantina Master:

Stefano Censini

Where to buy:

Online, directly from us by clicking here!

Varmax Liquor Pantry, 16 Putnam Avenue, Port Chester, NY 10573  www.Varmax.com

D.O.C. Wine Shop 147 Broadway Brooklyn, NY 11211

Diplomat Wines 933 2nd Avenue New York, NY 10021  www.DiplomatWines.com

Ehrlich Wines 222 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10023

In Italy, even if you own land, you cannot simply establish a vineyard. First, you must purchase the rights to plant. This is done through the local agricultural administration. Producers who have taken their vineyards out of production can sell their license. The parcels come in a variety of acreages, and the price is dependent on its appellation -
DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) or IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica). There are 74 DOCG wines in Italy and 329 DOC wines. These are defined by discrete geographic zones and can only contain certain grape varieties. IGT wines are classified by the region of origin but do not have to adhere to the grape variety restrictions mandated by DOCG and DOC controls. This freedom gives the wine producer to use any grape varieties in any combination. Just as mongrel dogs can be as pleasing as a purebred, these IGT wines can be superb. The most celebrated “Super Tuscan” wines of Italy are all IGT wines. We started with a half hectare parcel (1.2 acres) of DOCG, Chianti zone. However, instead of planting primarily Sangiovese, we decided to produce an IGT blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot. The vineyard has been expanded 3 times, to 5 hectares total (13 acres) and also includes Syrah, Petit Verdot and Canaiolo, an old Tuscan variety. White grapes were planted to be used for Vin Santo, the famous Tuscan dessert wine as well as a dry white wine (Bianco). Our Rosato (Rose) is made from Sangiovese grapes. We have obtained “Biologico” (Organic) Certification for our vineyards and olive groves.

In cooperation with our enologist, we decided to employ more scientific techniques rather than the old Tuscan methods. A careful analysis of sugar content, acidity and pH are used to select the best time for harvest.  The grapes are “coaxed” off the stems to permit whole-berry fermentation. We use temperature control and a “cold soak” for the first 48 hours to extract more color and flavor before the fermentation begins. Following the completion of malolactic fermentation, some wines are aged in medium-toast French barrels or large Slavonian oak botte for 12 to 24 months.