Argiano Winery
If you only visit one Tuscan winery, make this the one.
Between Stefano’s wine connections and our interest in wine, we’ve visited our share of wineries across Italy. One of our favorites is Argiano, a storied winery just about 10 km / 6 miles outside of Montalcino.
We visited Argiano in October with friends and were thoroughly impressed by the stunning villa and cellars, exceptional wine, and commitment to sustainability. It’s on our list to return to, perhaps even spending a night or two at their guest house. Here’s what we love about it, and what you need to know to schedule a visit.
The Villa
The estate is marked by a stunning Rennaisance villa named Bell’Aria, designed by the architect Giovanni Pecci in 1581 and completed in 1596. Bell’Aria sits atop a hill overlooking the winery’s 135 hectares (300 acres) of Sangiovese vineyards and olive groves.
The Cellars
Argiano’s cellars are among the most beautiful we’ve visited. Located underground, they have original herringbone-patterned terra cotta floors, ancient stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and arches. However, the cellars have been modernized with wine displays made from iron and wood reclaimed from the villa, beautifully backlit in soft light.
The Guest House
When Villa Bell’Aria was renovated in 2016, the owners added Argiano Dimore, a guesthouse comprised of three apartments located on the estate, a nod to the original complex of country houses surrounding the 16th-century villa.
The apartments are named Orto (vegetable garden), Casale (farmhouse), and Ovolaio, which doesn’t translate well in English but is a plot of land used for the reproduction of olive trees. Furnished with wooden beams reclaimed from the roof of Villa Bell’Air and featuring natural materials such as linen, brick, and wood, the apartments offer gorgeous views, private gardens, and even a swimming pool - the perfect place to relax for a few days and enjoy the Argiano estate with no rush.
The Wines
Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino, of Italy’s esteemed and inconic reds, is Argiano’s flagship wine. On their website, Argiano calls it their “soul and identity.” Brunello di Montalcino DOCG must be aged for four years, including two years in oak barrels and four months in the bottle. Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva, a designation reserved for exceptional vintages, requires an additional year of aging and two additional months in the bottle.
Argiano makes a Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, a Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Vigna del Suolo made from the oldest vineyard and only in the best vintages, and a Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG.
Rosso di Montalcino
Considered Brunello di Montalcino’s younger sibling, Rosso di Montalcino is made also made from 100% Sangiovese grapes but has shorter aging requirements, resulting more approachable and fruit-forward wine. Argiano’s Rosso di Montalcino DOC is an fantastic, versatile red wine.
Super Tuscan
In response to restrictive regulations of the Italian wine classification system, which mandates specific grape varieties and winemaking techniques for wines to receive official DOC and DOCG designations, Tuscan winemakers began experimenting with non-traditional grape varieties and techniques, producing excellent wines with bold and complex flavor profiles that defied classification and eventually became known as “Super Tuscans.”
Argiano produces two Super Tuscans, the approachable Non Confunditur, Latin for “not to be confused” but better translated as unique or unmistakable, and the powerful Solengo, created by legendary Italian oenologist Giacomo Tachis.
Our Lucky Purchase
At our tasting at the end of our tour of Argiano, we decided to purchase a few bottles to have shipped home to Minneapolis, including a splurge on a 6-liter bottle of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG.
Shortly after we returned home to Minnesota, Wine Spectator named Argiano’s 2018 Brunello di Montalcino the 2023 wine of the year. We were nearly positive that ours would be a 2017 though, since we know they were still selling the 2017 vintage.
When the wine arrived at our front door, Stefano brought it inside and unpackaged it. The case of standard 1.5-liter bottles were, in fact, 2017s, but to our surprise and delight, the 6-liter bottle was a 2018!
It's in Stefano’s cellar, quietly aging and waiting for a special occasion to be opened and shared with family and friends.
Learn More
Argiano has published several videos about the winery and its wines. Have a look to learn more and take in the scenery of the beautiful estate. Go full screen for the full effect!
How to book a Tour, Tasting, and Stay
Argiano offers several winery tours and tastings that can be booked directly from their website. For specific requests, email visit@argiano.net or call +39 0577 844 037.
Accommodation at Argiano Dimore can be booked directly on a dedicated website. Inquiries can be directed to dimore@argiano.net or +39 0577 839143.
This is a beautiful post! Your photos and story makes me want to book a trip! 🌻🍷