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Argiano

This estate was once owned by Cinzano, better known as producers of Vermouth. It is a decent sized affair, with over 30 hectares planted up as vineyards. In 1992 it was purchased by Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano, who was quick to employ Giacomo Tachis as consultant, and as winery supervisor she appointed Sebastiano Rosa (nephew to Marquis Incisa della Rochetta, owner of Tenuta San Guido), who had cut his teeth at UC Davies, Lafite-Rothschild and also at his uncle's estate, to where he has since returned.

Since that time this has become one of the most reliable estates in Montalcino, frequently turning out exciting wines, albeit in a modern, very accessible style. The main wine is Brunello di Montalcino, sometimes made as a Riserva in the best years. The Rosso di Montalcino is also very good. From the 1995 vintage onwards they have introduced Solengo, a blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah. (11/11/02)

Contact details:
Address: S, Angelo in Colle, 53020 Montalcino
Telephone: +39 0577 844037
Fax: +39 0577 844210
Internet: www.argiano.net

Argiano - Tasting Notes

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Argiano Rosso di Montalcino 2000: This wine has a deep red colour with just a purple tinge of youth. The nose offers up aromas of lacquered oak and roasted dark cherry fruit, together with some notes of rubber. There's plenty of silk and oil mouthfeel on the palate, right from the entry. Good depth of fruit through the midpalate, which is full bodied, with strong acidity. A structure of ripe, spicy tannins provides some backbone. Undoubtedly one of the better examples of Rosso di Montalcino that I can recall. 16.5/20 (November 2002)

Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 1997: Good colour. Great nose, initially closed, but then opening up to reveal floral aromas of violets, candied blackcurrants and vibrant cherry fruit, lifted by a touch of volatile acidity, the presence of which is suggested by the aromas of lacquered wood. Lovely structure and elegant balance on the palate. Rose petal nuances, delightful weight and a soft, rounded texture. Good tannins provide some grip and substance. This is brilliant stuff. 18+/20 (December 2002)

Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 1990: The cork is in amazing condition here, pale yellow in colour, in fact almost white, right down to the bottom there being not a trace of wine stain up the side. As for the wine itself, this has a great colour, as although this shows a mature oxblood tinge at the rim there is an absolute stack of red pigment running through the centre of the wine. The nose has an appealing character, mature but in no way soft or gentle; this is clearly not a wine intent on simply fading away. Instead it has a rather firm character, with dusty fruit, softly toned but with a slightly woody undercurrent. An attractively plump flesh at the start, showing good substance backed up by typically Tuscan acidity and a building sense of savoury, meaty fruit which becomes almost mouth-watering towards the finish. An impressive wine, holding up well, with substance and mouth-pleasing body, and for that it deserves credit. Where it falls down is lack of complexity, or perfume, the more fragrant and elegant components that we seek in a mature wine. All the same, a good mouthful. From a 1990 vintage twenty years on tasting. 16.5/20 (December 2010)