At the helm of Argiano, a celebrated winery, Bernardino Sani, the winemaker and CEO, reflects on the remarkable journey the estate has undertaken.
The turning point came when his 2018 Brunello di Montalcino was honored as “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator in November 2023.
This recognition has brought a surge of interest in the winery, yet Sani remains as grounded as ever.
Transformation and Growth
Argiano’s evolution over the years has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Once relatively unknown, the winery has embraced a path that led to both critical acclaim and noteworthy commercial success, a striking contrast to its standing less than ten years ago.
Recently, Wine-Searcher had the privilege of sitting down with Sani at the Argiano estate.
Their conversation explored his pivotal role in the winery’s transformation, the upgrades implemented in the wine cellars, and the enthusiastic response following the accolade for his 2018 Brunello.
Commitment to Quality
Sani shared that, like many other wine estates, Argiano has seen its share of change, from ownership alterations to shifts in wine styles.
Following a major restoration in 2013, new owners turned their attention to improving the vineyards and enlisted local experts, including Sani and agronomist Francesco Monari.
Their primary goal was to enhance the estate’s offerings by embracing a more traditional approach, with a particular focus on Sangiovese.
Looking back, Sani highlighted the influence of Argiano’s Brunellos from the 1970s, which served as key inspirations.
These wines showcased the estate’s unique potential for quality and longevity.
As a result, the team adopted a philosophy in the cellar that prioritizes terroir-driven wines, minimizing oak usage and extraction levels while applying gentle fermentation methods.
Future Aspirations
When discussing the Argiano Brunello di Montalcino, Sani expressed pride in the varietal’s ability to deliver vibrant fruit flavors alongside elegance and strength.
The distinct soil characteristics play an essential role, ensuring the wines are balanced without overly dominant tannins, which enhances their versatility for food pairing.
Attention has also turned to Sani’s 2019 classic Brunello, made from grapes harvested from six diverse vineyards, mainly located in the estate’s northern regions.
Each vineyard is carefully fermented at controlled temperatures to preserve the fruit’s integrity, then aged for two years in larger casks, adhering to Brunello regulations.
After receiving the esteemed Wine Spectator award, Sani recalls the overwhelming response he faced while in Mexico City for the announcement.
The following week saw a tidal wave of inquiries from eager wine lovers wanting to visit Argiano and learn more about its offerings.
This newfound recognition has propelled Argiano forward, enabling the winery to forge valuable partnerships with prestigious restaurants in both the U.S. and Italy.
The acclaim has attracted global interest, including inquiries from notable figures within the wine community.
Sani believes that the Vigna del Suolo is a standout representation of their terroir, even superior to their classic Brunello.
Earlier in his career at Argiano, Sani had the opportunity to collaborate with the legendary enologist Giacomo Tachis.
Tachis’s expertise was instrumental in the creation of Solengo, their acclaimed Super Tuscan wine.
The foundation he laid continues to influence Argiano’s approach as they work to uphold the style he championed.
When reflecting on Argiano’s progress, Sani expressed his delight at how swiftly critical milestones have been reached.
He has long believed in the winery’s inherent potential and remains dedicated to continuously refining the wines, embracing the challenges that inspire him along the way.
Source: Wine-searcher