From the town of Argiano, near Siena in Tuscany, there is a amazing view of the raisin-gold sunlight drenching the hillsides. It is the kind of place that gives rise to all the romantic visions of Tuscany and Tuscans - their overwhelming generosity, their love of their land, and their perpetual state of appreciation for food, wine and the fellowship of visitors.
Giuseppe Sesti is one such Tuscan, and if you knock on his door at Argiano you'll be welcomed into the old piazza's garden. His daughter, Elisa, will invite you to taste their wines. If you stay a while they will begin cooking - and you better have an appetite.
In 1975, when Sesti came to Argiano, Brunello was distinguished as one of the two elder regions of Italy. But it was also dying out. Only 25 producers remained in the area and many assumed Brunello would become a historical footnote tied to Giuseppe's friend Biondi-Santi. Sesti set out to spend the second half of his life, he is actually one of Italy's most famous astronomers restoring the ancient vineyards at Argiano.
His years in Montalcino serve as an indication to the style of wines he and his daughter make. These are not brash wines attempting to make a splash on the cover of American wine magazines. They are Tuscan vino di tavola and should be loved with great food and fellowship at a common table.
The Rosso
is Giuseppe's bambino Brunello. It is distinctively Sangiovese Grosso, the one and only grape of Brunello, with its classic aromas of dried cherries, cedar, truffles and tobacco. The palate is concentrated but has the assertive sternness of all good Brunello, with its palate cleansing tannins. The finish is lengthy; with notes of chocolate, mocha and roasted cherry fruit emerging as the wine reveals itself.
Regularly $37.50 btl
OMG $32.00 btl
Take 6btl $30.00 btl
Take 12btls $28.00btl
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