The winery
Le Chiuse
Wine estate in Montalcino (SI) known for Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino: historic vineyards linked to the Biondi-Santi family, organic production and a traditional approach.
- Toscana (Montalcino, provincia di Siena) · Italia
- Since 1986
- 3 products
The story
Le Chiuse is an estate with historical ties to the Biondi‑Santi family; the vineyards were once part of the holdings used for the Riserva Biondi‑Santi. After Fiorella’s death in 1986, Simonetta Valiani began producing and vinifying under her own name, restoring the farm, planting new vineyards and building an underground cellar. Management has remained family‑run, with family members involved in both the estate’s operations and the winemaking.
Production philosophy
Production focused on expressing the terroir and Sangiovese: low-impact viticulture, hand selection of grapes, use of native yeasts, low yields and aging in large Slavonian oak casks. The estate has been certified organic since 2005 and promotes sustainable practices and biodiversity across the property.
Terroir and vineyards
Located in Valdicava, Montalcino on clay‑limestone soils at an approximate elevation of 300–330 m above sea level. The area has long been linked to Brunello production and is characterized by aspects and microclimates favorable to Sangiovese Grosso.
Awards and recognition
International critical recognition, including scores and rankings in Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Sangiovese (clone BBS11)
- Hectares
- 8.0
What makes it distinctive
- Historic vineyards formerly owned by the Biondi‑Santi family, the source of the grapes for the Riserve storiche.
- Sangiovese clone BBS11 as the main grape variety.
- Conversion to organic viticulture and organic certification since 2005.
- Winemaking with indigenous yeasts, low yields and aging in Slavonian oak barrels; distinct aging periods for Rosso, Brunello and Riserva.
- Estate with agritourism located in historic buildings.