Valdicava

Valdicava

MONTALCINO | SIENA
TUSCANY

 
Valdicava new.jpg
Founded: 1953
Owner: Vincenzo Abbruzzese
Winemaker: Attilio Pagli
Hectares under vines: 27ha
Altitude above sea level: 300m
Average annual production: 80,000 bottles
Green code: Practicing not certified organic

WHAT THEY SAY

A great wine is born in the vineyard. Today nearly 27 ha are planted with Sangiovese vines. We take the greatest care of these vines, the lack nothing and receive nothing in excess! To produce great fruit, the vines must sometimes learn sacrifice and toil. They must be taught and alert, they must work and deepen their roots into the ground in search of nutrients. It is only then that they truly express the terroir they come from. Our concept is simple: nurture a great respect for the tradition and flavours of Montalcino and at the same time value our own individual character. The Valdicava “genius loci” is a combination of the perfumes, value, culture, love, sould and history that is perpetuated in our wines in the most harmonious and elegant equilibrium. In the cellarthe idea is also very simple; purity, the most current technology available and the best Slavonia oak barrels to insure that our great reds receive the respect they are due. Key is also having a great team. Thanks to Andrea Paoletti (agronomist) and Attilio Pagli (winemaker) with whom I have shared a common philosophy since 1986.

WHAT WE SAY

With a greater than ever number of glowing endorsements from magazines and experts alike, Vincenzo Abbruzzese’s Estate can be included in the best 3 or 4 of Montalcino. The relatively small estate, was bought by the present owner’s grandfather, Martini Bramante in 1953 and sits in the cool Montosoli area north of Montalcino where the Sangiovese vineyards enjoy perfect growing conditions. Since taking over Valdicava, Vincenzo has invested a lot of time and capital into shaping the vineyard into one of Montalcino’s best.

WHAT OTHERS SAY

‘Vincenzo Abbruzzese is one of the best grape growers in Italy, but he is making his name at his estate about 20 minutes north of Montalcino. His Brunello di Montalcinos are some of the most soulful and enticing wines from the region and consistently offer rich and opulent character in a balanced and refined way. About 37 acres of his vineyards go into the standard Valdicava label, which is made with a blend of Sangiovese from about a half dozen single vineyards. He also makes another reserve Brunello from one special vineyard called Madonna del Piano. His vines look like a well-kept yet wild garden, since Vincenzo is deeply concerned with the balance and wellness of his vineyard in relation to his special local ecosystem. His wines are aged about two years in large oak casks and another two or so in bottle.

100 points James Suckling – Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano 2006
I tasted this about a year ago at the winery and I was blown away. This time I tasted it in a blind tasting in Tuscany and it stood above the rest. Amazing aromas of blueberries and flowers, with black truffles and pie. Foie gras, mushrooms and white truffles too. Powerful, with great depth of gorgeous fruit and ultra-fine tannins. It fills your mouth with fruit and ripe tannins. Complex and long. A breathtaking wine. Truly glorious. Better in 2015. 100 points James Suckling - Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano 2010 A wine with superb finesse and depth. So subtle and understated yet powerful and long. The tannin intensity is amazing. It just builds like a massive wave. Superb. Give this time in the bottle. The length is endless.

WINES WE IMPORT

Reds

  • Rosso di Montalcino DOC

  • Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

  • Brunello Di Montalcino Madonna Del Piano

  • Riserva DOCG