This estate is situated high on a hillside just outside Montalcino, facing Sant'Angelo in Colle. In the mid 70's it was originally known as a honey producing farm. Additional land was acquired in the 90's with a desire to produce olive oil and fine wine.
When brothers Dario and Federico Ciacci started to involve themselves fully into the winemaking process Villa I Cipressi began to gain a reputation for quality, organic, Sangiovese wines.
This is a great example of a small estate of 3.5 hectares with a love of nature and a great ecological spirit, producing traditional artisan wines that are revered by wine critics worldwide.
At Villa i Cipressi there are three separate plantings of Sangiovese:
The first in the south of the estate in Castelnuovo dell’ Abate at 240m above sea level, planted in 1996, its primary silty sandy soil giving the grapes great structure.
The next vineyard planted in 1997, is situated in the west at 450m above sea level, where the soil is mainly limestone with a slight presence of clay giving the grapes their fragrant and aromatic notes.
Finally, the third and smallest of the vineyards was planted in 2003 and is situated at the rear of the Villa i Cipressi Cantina in Montalcino, at 600m.
All three vineyards face south west offering the perfect orientation for maturation of the fruit.
The difference in soil and altitude allows for a blend which enriches the complexity of these wines.
By the way, I am reliably informed from a source in the USA that the hazelnuts in honey from the farm shop are not to be missed… (No TW Points given!)
Tasting Notes
Villa i Cipressi Rosso di Montalcino 2016
Sangiovese 100% made with grapes coming from the south and west vineyards. Aged for 10 months; 60% in French oak barriques (225lt) the remaining 40% in oak barrels (10-30 hl) then 8 months in bottle. Red ruby in colour, medium body, light floral bouquet showing violet, red berries. Well crafted and balanced.
Points 92 TW
Villa i Cipressi Brunello di Montalcino 2013
Aged for 24 months 60% in French oak barriques (225 lt) and the remaining 40% in large oak barrels i(10-30 hl) then 24 months in bottle. Deep ruby red in colour. Full bodied. Black fruits, plum, spice, liquorice with hints of vanilla. Noteworthy tannins but the intensity of the fruit makes a good counterpoint. 2020-2030
Points 93 TW
Villa i Cipressi Brunello di Montalcino 2014
This was a difficult growing year with plenty of good fortune in the vineyard and an enormous amount of work in the cellar, Villa I Cipressi has produced 7000 bottles of a worthy Brunello (down from its usual production of 15.000). Bright red ruby in colour with purple undertone. Concentrated mixture of black and red berries, spice with predominance of black pepper, liquorice. Good length. Great result! 2019-2025
Points 93 TW
Villa i Cipressi Brunello di Montalcino 2013 Zebras
This wine is only produced in years deemed outstanding by this estate. Meticulous fruit selection from all three vineyards. Aged for 30 months, 60% in French oak barriques and the remaining 40% in large oak barrels followed by bottle ageing for at least 30 months. Bright ruby red in colour, intense wild violet bouquet, red berries, cherries, sweet tobacco, aromatic coffee notes and a touch of vanilla. Tannins slightly dry. Good structure and linear.
Points 92 TW
Villa i Cipressi Brunello di Montalcino 2015 Zebras
Barrel Sample. Brilliant bright ruby red in colour, fresh red berries and cherries, bitter orange zest, hint of liquorice and tobacco, slate. Structured, complex and balanced. Little tight at this stage but will evolve into a classic! 2022-2037
Points 95-97 TW