Italy · Tuscany

Avignonesi

Avignonesi is one of Montepulciano's oldest and most historically significant estates, with roots in the noble Avignonesi family stretching back to the 16th century. The estate achieved modern renown under the Falvo family's ownership for three distinct wines: the world-class Vin Santo di Montepulciano, the extraordinary Occhio di Pernice (Vin Santo from pure Prugnolo Gentile), and the Grifi Cabernet-Sangiovese blend. In 2009, Belgian businesswoman Virginie Saverys took majority ownership, continuing the Vin Santo tradition while expanding organic viticulture. At auction, 142 lots have traded at an average of $172, ranging from $12 to $539. Vin Santo averages $257 across 26 lots; Occhio di Pernice averages $374 across 14 lots — the rarest Avignonesi bottling, aged up to 10 years in small caratelli before release. Desiderio (a Merlot-based IGT) averages $64. The Vin Santo production process is extraordinarily labor-intensive, with grapes dried for up to 8 months before pressing and the wine spending a decade in small wooden barrels before bottling.