Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The vineyards lie between 280 and 310 m above sea level on alluvial soils with pockets of calcareous marl. The vines are 9 to 21 years old. The estate follows organic farming principles.
Argiano's vineyards, near Montalcino, sit at about 300 m, which keeps nights cool even in summer. Montalcino's moderate rainfall helps ripening and gives more concentrated flavours and rich aromas. The warm Maremma, on Tuscany's coast, influences the site and creates conditions for slow ripening, while nearby Mount Amiata protects the vineyards from bad weather. The estate's soils are marly limestone and clay and retain moisture well. The estate covers 100 ha, of which 48 ha are vines and 10 ha olive trees.
Vinification
Grapes are harvested entirely by hand. Merlot was picked first, in early September, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Each variety was vinified separately: 2 days of pre-fermentation maceration, then fermentation and about 2 weeks of skin contact in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The estate's general practice is fermentation with natural yeasts at 20–25 °C for 2–3 weeks.
Ageing
The wines aged for several months in third- and fourth-use French barriques and tonneaux. The final blend was assembled just before bottling.
Tasting profile
Harmonious and complex, with layered character from the three varieties. Generous and full-bodied, with a well-defined structure and smooth, enveloping, silky tannins. Freshness is balanced with vibrant aromas.
Vintage notes
2023: a wet spring, then a hot summer with thunderstorms. A warm, dry September and October allowed the grapes to ripen.
Label / history
"NC" is often thought to stand for Noemi Cinzano, the current owner. It is in fact short for the Latin "Non Confunditur", which appears on the Argiano coat of arms and was the motto of the castle's former owners, the Lovatelli Gaetani d'Aragona family. The wine is named in honour of Villa Argiano's past. It has been made since 2002.
Argiano is owned by Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano, who bought the estate in 1992. The villa, in a medieval village near Montalcino, was built during the Renaissance by the Pecci family of Siena. Tradition holds that sages once searched here for the altar of the Roman god Janus ("Ara Jani"). The estate also produces Brunello, Rosso, and the Super Tuscan wines "Solengo" and "Suolo".
