Who makes it?
If these vines could talk, they’d probably tell you to duck. The stunning Sesti - Castello di Argiano estate sits at the southern end of the legendary Montalcino plateau, centered around a 1200 AD watchtower that once communicated via drum beats and literal fire. Fast forward to the mid-1970s, and the historic property was a sleeping beauty—completely overgrown and reclaimed by nature—until it was rescued by the Sesti family. Today, the brilliant Elisa Sesti commands the cellar, carrying on the legacy built by her English mother, Sarah, and her father, Giugi—a renowned astronomer whose love for the cosmos explains the striking stars on the labels. Oh, and for a bit of unexpected global flair, Elisa’s great-great-grandmother was actually the mayor of Shrewsbury! This quirky, brilliant family transformed a defunct fortress into the ultimate sanctuary for world-class Tuscan winemaking.
How is it made?
The Sesti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020 is an eco-friendly masterpiece crafted from a strict internal selection of 100% Sangiovese grapes. These prized vines are grown at a lofty 350 meters on southern slopes rich with oceanic sediment. While not officially certified, the estate operates with maximum respect for the environment, using only animal manure and biodegradable sprays on their exclusive nine hectares of vines. The secret weapon here is a unique micro-climate where gentle sea breezes funnel through the surrounding woodlands, acting as nature’s own air conditioning unit. Following a hand-harvest and meticulous fermentation, the wine avoids aggressive modern French barriques. Instead, it embraces the traditional method, aging for a patient 36 months in large Slovenian oak botte barrels (10 to 30 HL) followed by 12 months of refinement in the bottle before earning its prestigious, highly regulated DOCG status.
What does it taste like?
The 2020 vintage delivers a Brunello di Montalcino of absolutely breathtaking quality, boasting a muscular yet elegant 14.5% ABV that carries its weight with pure grace. Because Elisa Sesti bottles this liquid gold unfiltered, it retains every ounce of its raw, soul-stirring complexity. On the palate, expect a deep, multi-layered symphony of rich dark fruits, earthy woodland undertones, and that signature savory Sangiovese spine, all framed by incredibly refined tannins from its four-year cellaring journey. To experience this Italian icon at its absolute peak, serve it at 18°C and be sure to dust off your decanter prior to serving. It is the ultimate match for wild game, prime cuts of grilled and roasted meat, or a block of deeply savoury cheese.
