Pierazzuoli Chianti Montalbano DOCG, 2021

100% Sangiovese.  Enrico Pierazzuoli runs these two estates founded by his father beginning in 1970. Since inception, their motto has been "One Bottle of Wine per Vine". While the secret to great wines lying in reduced yields (amongst other factors) is widespread today, that mentality was scarce in 1970 in Tuscany! The first acquisition was Tenuta Cantagallo in the Chianti Montalbano zone, then in 1990 they also purchased Le Farnete in nearby Carmignano. (Cantagallo must be known in the US as Pierazzuoli due to the Gallo folks of CA suing anyone who uses "Gallo"as even a part of a name for a wine) Although the wines have been in the NY market before with other importers, they are finally together under one roof with Artisan. It is a very fitting year to begin this collaboration as Carmignano celebrates the 300th Anniversary of the edict of 1716 by Cosimo de Medici when Carmignano created the first law in the world designed to protect a high quality wine growing zone.

The Cantagallo estate (Pierazzuoli) extends over 500 acres from 800-1200 Ft above sea level. Only 60 choice acres are planted to vines where the exposure and orientation is ideal. Olive groves, other crops and forest compromise the remainder. Le Farnete is smaller but structured similarly with only 20 of 120 acres planted to high density vines only in ideal exposures.