J. G. Benda

John Benda grew up in Rome in a family with English roots and later spent many years in London, where his passion for wine began. He left a career in banking there to pursue his dream of making great Sangiovese. He established a small winery on a high site in Montalcino, planting his first plot in 1998 and a second in 2006. The estate quickly caught the attention of critics because of its small vineyards, high-altitude site, and John's dedication to the craft. He now runs the property together with his Australian partner, Zoe Johnson.

The estate sits on a high site in Montalcino, one of Italy's most important wine regions. The 2 hectares of vineyards are surrounded by 16 hectares of forest. The first plot lies on sandy, chalky soils dating from the Cretaceous period, giving the wines a light, elegant character. The second plot is on Paleocene rock with galestro and limestone, contributing minerality and structure.

The estate is completely self-sufficient, operating with no electricity or running water and relying only on collected rainwater. The surrounding 16 hectares of forest support biodiversity and a natural sense of balance around the 2 hectares of vineyards.

In the cellar, the wines are given what the winemaker calls maximum freedom of expression, allowing the terroir, the season, and the winemaker's own spirit to come through in the glass.

The winemaker describes giving the wines maximum freedom of expression in the cellar, letting the terroir, the season, and his own spirit come through in the glass.