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Campo della Spinaia

The Quintessence of Tuscany

Casa Girelli has recently added to its portfolio of estate wines the exquisite Campo della Spinaia range of Montalcino wines (Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino) produced exclusively for Girelli at Tenuta di Sesta.

The pictoresque Sesta estate covers 200 km below Mount Amiata and along the Orcia river between the small towns of Sant Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell’Abate in the heart of the region of Siena. The property dates back to the 15th century at the time of the rise of the Republic of Siena and the fall of the Abbey St. Antimo under the power of Pope Pio II, a patron of the arts. Lelio Tolomei, one of Siena’s most important families, was the first recorded owner of the Sesta estate and built the chapel " la Cappella di Sesta" in 1552 and the turreted manor house "la villa residenziale" in 1576, both of which still stand today thanks to frequent restoration.

It is recorded that in 1754, the estate was owned by another Sienese family, Pompeo Amerighi; in 1850, it had again changed hands, into those of Saverio Padelletti di Montalcino; then, a few years later, it became the property of the Ciacci family who remain the owners today. The brothers, Felice and Giovanni, handed it down to one of their sons, Giuseppe, who, in turn, handed it down to his son, Giovanni who runs the company today. His children, Giuseppe and Elisa, will be the fourth generation to take over upon his death.

While the Tenuta di Sesta estate is dedicated to agriculture, mostly olives and seeds, it is their 10 hectares of vines that play the most important role. Giovanni Ciacci and his family are dedicated to producing some of the finest Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wines available today. Stefano Girelli recently discovered this estate and was greatly impressed by its exceptional wines. Casa Girelli is now proud to be the sole exporters to the U.S. of these fine wines that are little known outside their homeland.

Compo delle Spinaia Rosso di Montalcino DOC

Current Vintages: 1996
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello clone)
Area: exclusively from the Tenuta di Sesta 10 hectare vineyard
Harvest: mid-October
Vinification: traditional red wine, on-skin at least 15 days
Fermentation: temperature controlled in stainless steel, 27°C  to 28° C
Ageing: 1 year in Slavonian oak barrels
Alcohol: 13%
Tasting Notes: Ruby red; generous, intense palate of fruit, violets and irises.
To Serve: at room temperature.
No. bottles made: 15,000
Retail price: approximately $18.99

 

Compo delle Spinaia Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

Current Vintages: 1993
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello clone)
Area: exclusively from the Tenuta di Sesta 10 hectare vineyard
Harvest: mid-October
Vinification: traditional red wine, on-skin at least 15 days
Fermentation: temperature controlled in stainless steel, maximum skin contact,  27°C  to 28° C
Ageing: 4 years in Slavonian oak barrels; at least 6 months in bottle.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Tasting Notes: Deep ruby red; warm, velvety aromas of violets and irises; complex, generous and harmonious palate; long finish; will mature for many years.
To Serve: Open up to two hours before drinking at room temperature.
No. bottles made: 3,500
Retail price: approximately $36.99
 

 

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