Spotlight on Sesti
by Tom Wolf
Spotlight on Sesti
by Tom Wolf
When it comes to the palpable differences of neighboring microclimates, the wine region of Montalcino in southern Tuscany gives the Bay Area a run for its money. The Sesti family, our longest-standing partner in the area, is lucky enough to have settled five decades ago in one of Montalcino’s most ideal microclimates for making wine. High on a hill, at 1,000 feet of elevation, the family’s Castello di Argiano and the surrounding vines benefit from frequent cooling ocean breezes and the rains they bring, all of which balance out the hot summer days. The “good air of Argiano,” as it is called around here, has been a known fact passed down through oral tradition for many, many generations of civilization.
But of course, good air and good soil don’t go far without good stewards, and this place couldn’t ask for better ones than Giuseppe and Sarah Sesti along with their daughter Elisa. Upon purchasing the run-down estate in the 1970s, Giuseppe and Sarah quickly set about restoring the castle, tidying up the overgrown land, and planting vines in such a way that the ecosystem and soils would thrive. Today, Elisa continues this tradition, farming organically and biodynamically to produce wines that are remarkably fresh, vibrant, and expressive.
Wines In The Collection
Sesti Italy | Tuscany
As sublime as their Brunello is, the Sestis’ craving for a wine to be drunk cool during the warm months led them to create this rosato. It’s gentle and mouth-filling, perked up by a touch of salinity that recalls the oceanic vineyard soils—quite a sophisticated rosé that is nonetheless gay and carefree.
Sesti Italy | Tuscany
While Sangiovese dominates the Sesti family’s—and the region’s—vineyards, Sauvignon has also found a surprisingly welcoming home here, yielding a crisp, flowery white that’s a beautiful match for locally caught seafood or a bright summer salad.
Sesti Italy | Tuscany
If you want to taste the full, vibrant, and unleashed magic of young Sangiovese, don’t miss the Monteleccio. It combines the class of biodynamically farmed, Brunello-quality grapes with the thrill of early and festive drinkability.
Sesti Italy | Tuscany
Elisa Sesti likes to say that Sangiovese is a prima donna variety that requires pampering and the right conditions to thrive—and pamper it, she does! Her Rosso di Montalcino, with its seductive and mood-enhancing perfume, is like a delicious elixir of black cherry, bitter herbs, and fragrant violet.
Sesti Italy | Tuscany
With a regal perfume that is both sweet and savory, a ripe berry fruit accented by balmy herbs and earthy wafts of incense, this enthralling Brunello is already approachable, but will reward you if you set aside a few bottles to open over the next ten years.
Italy | Tuscany
As sublime as their Brunello is, the Sestis’ craving for a wine to be drunk cool during the warm months led them to create this rosato. It’s gentle and mouth-filling, perked up by a touch of salinity that recalls the oceanic vineyard soils—quite a sophisticated rosé that is nonetheless gay and carefree.
Italy | Tuscany
While Sangiovese dominates the Sesti family’s—and the region’s—vineyards, Sauvignon has also found a surprisingly welcoming home here, yielding a crisp, flowery white that’s a beautiful match for locally caught seafood or a bright summer salad.
Italy | Tuscany
If you want to taste the full, vibrant, and unleashed magic of young Sangiovese, don’t miss the Monteleccio. It combines the class of biodynamically farmed, Brunello-quality grapes with the thrill of early and festive drinkability.
Italy | Tuscany
Elisa Sesti likes to say that Sangiovese is a prima donna variety that requires pampering and the right conditions to thrive—and pamper it, she does! Her Rosso di Montalcino, with its seductive and mood-enhancing perfume, is like a delicious elixir of black cherry, bitter herbs, and fragrant violet.
Italy | Tuscany
With a regal perfume that is both sweet and savory, a ripe berry fruit accented by balmy herbs and earthy wafts of incense, this enthralling Brunello is already approachable, but will reward you if you set aside a few bottles to open over the next ten years.
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