Podere Brizio

Supplier/Importer: Marc de Grazia Selections

History

Roberto Bellini, from a northern Italian family of agricultural entrepreneurs, purchased Azienda Agricola Chiesa di Santa Restituta in the 1970s and used to also manage the vineyards of Podere Brizio. Chiesa di Santa Restituta was then sold to Angelo Gaja in 1996. Mr Bellini bought 50% of Podere Brizio and established a partnership with the Cannoni-Mazzi family who had owned the estate since 1960.
A modern and well equipped vinification and ageing cellar of an extension of 1,000 square meters was finished in 2002: the ageing section is built underground in order to have an even temperature all year round, all the stainless steel vats are equipped with temperature control and automatic devices to punch down the cap, the presses are pneumatic. The wines mature in large French oak casks.
The total vineyard extension is 11.5 hectares of which 7 hectares of Sangiovese registered for the production of Brunello di Montalcino, 1 hectare registered for the production of Rosso di Montalcino. 3.5 hectares are planted with grape varieties for the production of IGT/proprietary wines.
The excellent south-west exposure, the ideal type of soil and climate (in fact the area is protected from hail and storms by Monte Amiata a mountain south east of Montalcino and 1,740 meters high) make the zone of Santa Restituta, where the vineyards of Podere Brizio stand, one of the best areas of Montalcino.
The clones of Sangiovese were selected from the oldest vines of Podere Brizio. Yields are well below what the appellation allows. Only the best clusters are chosen for the wines.
The estate is certified organic.
In 2013 Podere Brizio changed its ownership and is now part of IAG Toscana Srl, together with Fattoria Dievole in Chianti Classico.
The well known and talented oenologist Alberto Antonini now supervises all the phases of winemaking together with the on- premise oenologist Giovanni Alberio, while the agronomist Lorenzo Bernini supervises the work in the vineyards.

Year of establishment: 1996

Average annual production: 50,000 (bottles)

Total vineyard extension (hectares): 11.5

Planted varietals and extension (hectares): Grape varieties for the production of IGT/proprietary wines - 3.5 ha
Sangiovese for the production of Brunello di Montalcino - 7 ha
Sangiovese for the production of Rosso di Montalcino - 1 ha

Vine training system:
Bilateral Cordon Spur
Simple Cordon Spur

Cultivation method in the vineyard: the aisles (between the rows of vines) are partially tilled

Type of viticulture: certified organic

Harvest period: End of September/beginning of October

Agronomist: Lorenzo Bernini

Oenologist: Alberto Antonini together with Giovanni Alberio (on premise oenologist)