If you have had the privilege of a vacation in Tuscany you know why everyone loves this ancient Provence in Italy. It's charming, beautiful, and seems to be tailor-made for visitors. So you might be... Read More

If you have had the privilege of a vacation in Tuscany you know why everyone loves this ancient Provence in Italy. It's charming, beautiful, and seems to be tailor-made for visitors. So you might be surprised to know that just 40 to 50 years ago much of this region was abandoned and in disrepair.

It's true. Parts of Tuscany took a long time to recover from the ravages of WWII and the economic strains that followed. The Montalcino area is a perfect example. Brunello di Montalcino was not popular or well known until recently, so the town and regions primary source of income was of little value.

That is how Guiseppe "Guigi" Sesti and his wife Sara were able to move from Wales (her home) and purchase the ruins of Castello Argiano and the surrounding land for next to nothing. Over the years they painstakingly restored this land into the beautiful property it is now, and in 1991 they began planting (or rather re-planting) the property with Sangiovese Grosso vines.

Guigi is a trained astronomer and also a historian of astrology and astronomy, so he is incredibly attuned to the natural cycles of the moon, planets and earth. The estate has always been managed in an ultra "natural" way, though no official certification meets his standards.

He spent a lot of time visiting his friends and neighbors in the early days of moving to Tuscany and became close to several winemakers that helped him perfect the art of traditional Brunello winemaking. As of 1999 his daughter Elisa has been a full time member of the team and is now primarily responsible for the winemaking.

As mentioned everything is done with the utmost respect for nature, no additions except a touch of sulphur when needed, and the traditions of the region . . . large, neutral oak for fermenting and aging and plenty of time both in barrel and in bottle before release.