Italy · Tuscany

Valdicava

Valdicava is one of the most celebrated small estates in Montalcino, producing Brunello of extraordinary concentration and complexity from 14 hectares of vineyards on the northern slopes of the hill. The estate has been owned by the Abbruzzese family since 1949 and is run today by Vincenzo Abbruzzese, who has combined traditional Sangiovese Grosso winemaking with sensitive vineyard management to produce wines of exceptional depth and longevity. The Madonna del Piano Brunello Riserva — produced only in exceptional vintages from the oldest vines — is considered one of Montalcino's greatest wines. The standard Brunello is itself outstanding. The estate farms 14 hectares on the north-facing slopes of Montalcino where cooler temperatures and clay-limestone soils produce wines of remarkable elegance and mineral depth alongside the expected power of great Brunello. At auction, Valdicava is increasingly sought after, with Madonna del Piano from great years such as 1995, 2001, 2004, and 2010 commanding prices that reflect its standing among Montalcino's most quality-conscious collectors.