Otto Ettari, Eight Hectares in Italian, refers to the idyllic parcel of vineyards and olive groves in Montenero d’Orcia, acquired by the German duo Andreas and Manfred Kunert, the realization of a lifelong dream. This little gem of land located in the Montecucco DOCG was purchased by the ambitious cousins in 2015 from one of the most renowned wineries in Tuscany, Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona, and is planted to the most noble of Tuscan grapes, Sangiovese.
The Montecucco area is located in southern Tuscany, in the Maremma, and has come into the spotlight in recent years thanks to a group of young winemakers whose determination and passion have produced stunning wines, considered by wine critics on par with Tuscany’s grandest wine Brunello.
The small picturesque village of Montenero d’Orcia is a fitting backdrop for the grand ambitions of the Kunert cousins – to craft authentic, elegant, honest Sangiovese-based wines uniting traditional winemaking knowledge with more modern techniques. Their deep appreciation and respect for the region and the land encouraged the collaboration with Gianni Bartolommei, experienced cellar master and “son” of Montenero, and Jacopo Vagaggini, an emerging talent among Italian oenologists with international experience. The love of a land has brought together a dynamic team with a passion for Sangiovese, creating wines that are representative of the region and the dedication of all those involved.
The Montecucco Sangiovese represents a sophisticated expression of the noble Sangiovese grape, a combination of concentration and structure with elegance, resulting in a harmonious balance. On the nose, perfumes of spice and ripe fruit dominate while the mouth is rich and silky with melted tannins and hints of vanilla.
This is a pure Sangiovese, coming from the best locations within the vineyard. The extended refining period allows for the evolution of this exceptional fruit, presenting a fascinating deep, dark and intense wine that literally explodes with perfumes of black fruits and spice. In the mouth it is full and concentrated with refreshing acidity and soft tannins, a wine that will continue its stunning evolution in bottle to last for many years ahead.
