Who makes it?
If these vineyards could talk, they’d probably tell you to keep your head down. Nestled at the southern end of the prestigious Montalcino plateau, the stunning Sesti - Castello di Argiano estate centers around a UNESCO-protected medieval fortress that once used drums and fire to warn of incoming battles. Fast forward to the mid-1970s, and the estate was completely overgrown until renowned astronomer Giugi Sesti and his English wife, Sarah, lovingly rescued it from the wilderness. Today, their daughter Elisa Sesti spearheads the winemaking, carrying on a family legacy that beautifully balances cosmic inspiration (hence the stars on the label) with a quirky British twist—her great-great-grandmother was actually the mayor of Shrewsbury! Out of 102 hectares of pristine Tuscan woodlands and olive groves, only nine are dedicated to vines, proving that the Sesti family favors breath-taking quality over mass production.
How is it made?
To craft the spectacular Sesti Grangiovese IGT 2023, Elisa selects 100% Sangiovese grapes grown on the estate’s southern slopes at a lofty 350 meters above sea level. This particular patch of paradise boasts unique oceanic sediment soils and a natural "air conditioning unit"—a micro-climate where gentle sea breezes funnel through the surrounding forests to keep the grapes perfectly chilled. Following eco-friendly practices with maximum respect for the environment, the winemaking team uses traditional methods to bring this red wine to life. The grapes chosen for this blend offer a more forward fruit profile, which is then aged for 12 months in traditional, medium-sized 30 HL oak barrels rather than aggressive French barriques. This slow, traditional aging process tames the wild Tuscan tannins, leaving you with a beautifully polished, sustainably made masterpiece.
What does it taste like?
A clever pun on "The Great Sangiovese," the Grangiovese IGT is a bottle explicitly designed for the lost art of actually drinking rather than just staring at a cellar shelf. Thanks to its year-long slumber in medium oak, all of its youthful edges are delightfully smooth and rounded. On the nose and palate, it bursts with life, delivering a brilliant combination of vibrant tang, mouth-watering acidity, and rich, forward red fruit. It’s so effortlessly charming that top wine critics have openly swooned over it in London lineups right alongside legendary, wallet-busting Super Tuscans like Ornellaia and Sassicaia. It is the perfect approachable introduction to the Sesti lineup—delivering high-end Brunello-adjacent pedigree without the stuffy attitude or the terrifying price tag.
