Altesino

1975

Altesino became the first producer in Montalcino to divide its 44 ha of vineyards into individual crus: "Altesino", "Macina", "Castelnuovo dell'Abate", "Pianezzine" and "Montosoli". Each vineyard supplied grapes for just one wine, an innovation that soon made Altesino a leading Brunello producer. Customers began reserving and buying Altesino wines before they were released.

1979

Altesino became the first winery in the area to use small oak barrels for a carefully limited period, helping each wine retain its individual character. The result was wine with bright fruit, soft tannins and excellent balance, with oak playing only a supporting role.

2002

Altesino was acquired by the Gnudi Angelini family, owners of the neighboring Tenuta Caparzo estate. Head winemaker Claudio Basla remained at Altesino, showing his commitment to the house he had helped establish as a world leader.

Altesino lies in the heart of southern Tuscany, in the unspoiled countryside of Montalcino, not far from busy roads and the main industrial areas. The surrounding natural landscape has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.

In 1975 the estate's 44 ha of vineyards were divided into five individual crus — Altesino, Macina, Castelnuovo dell'Abate, Pianezzine and Montosoli — with each vineyard supplying grapes for just one wine.

From 1979, Altesino used small oak barrels for a carefully limited period, an approach that was the first of its kind in the area. This helped each wine retain its individual character, producing wine with bright fruit, soft tannins and excellent balance, with the oak playing only a supporting role.

Altesino describes itself as having a reputation for innovation from the very beginning, aiming for wines that retain their individual character, with bright fruit, soft tannins and excellent balance, and oak playing only a supporting role.