Spotlight on Sesti
by Tom Wolf
Spotlight on Sesti
by Tom Wolf
When it comes to the palpable differences of neighboring microclimates, the wine region of Montalcino in southern Tuscany gives the Bay Area a run for its money. The Sesti family, our longest-standing partner in the area, is lucky enough to have settled five decades ago in one of Montalcino’s most ideal microclimates for making wine. High on a hill, at 1,000 feet of elevation, the family’s Castello di Argiano and the surrounding vines benefit from frequent cooling ocean breezes and the rains they bring, all of which balance out the hot summer days. The “good air of Argiano,” as it is called around here, has been a known fact passed down through oral tradition for many, many generations of civilization.
But of course, good air and good soil don’t go far without good stewards, and this place couldn’t ask for better ones than Giuseppe and Sarah Sesti along with their daughter Elisa. Upon purchasing the run-down estate in the 1970s, Giuseppe and Sarah quickly set about restoring the castle, tidying up the overgrown land, and planting vines in such a way that the ecosystem and soils would thrive. Today, Elisa continues this tradition, farming organically and biodynamically to produce wines that are remarkably fresh, vibrant, and expressive.
Wines In The Collection
Sesti Italy | Tuscany
December Club Gourmand ~ Biodynamically farmed, Brunello-quality grapes with the thrill of early and festive drinkability.
Sesti Italy | Tuscany
With a regal perfume that is both sweet and savory, a ripe berry fruit accented by balmy herbs and earthy wafts of incense, this enthralling Brunello is already approachable, but will reward you if you set aside a few bottles to open over the next ten years.
Italy | Tuscany
As sublime as their Brunello is, the Sestis’ craving for a wine to be drunk cool during the warm months led them to create this rosato. It’s gentle and mouth-filling, perked up by a touch of salinity that recalls the oceanic vineyard soils—quite a sophisticated rosé that is nonetheless gay and carefree.
Italy | Tuscany
If you want to taste the full, vibrant, and unleashed magic of young Sangiovese, don’t miss the Monteleccio. It combines the class of biodynamically farmed, Brunello-quality grapes with the thrill of early and festive drinkability.
Italy | Tuscany
With a regal perfume that is both sweet and savory, a ripe berry fruit accented by balmy herbs and earthy wafts of incense, this enthralling Brunello is already approachable, but will reward you if you set aside a few bottles to open over the next ten years.
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Here is a collection of recent arrivals. Every week, we’ll be adding a dozen or more new arrivals, so check back often for your favorite classics or new discoveries!
The Carpe Vinum Collection
An ever-changing offering of wines that are just about to sell out; one last opportunity to seize a range of selections before they disappear from our shelves forever.
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When the esteemed French wine artist Michel Tolmer created beautiful artwork for our 50th anniversary, we knew right away that we had to feature it on a few select items of merch. After spending maybe a little too much time researching the options, we landed on a classy, leather-strap cap, a comfortable t-shirt made from 100% cotton, and a tote made with incredibly sturdy, fair-trade, and organic cotton by a certified B corp that invests in the livelihoods of women and farmers of India, featuring three wine sleeves and two other compartments for all of your other needs!
Recent Wine Club Selections
Our five wine clubs feature our best values from France and Italy as well as complex and cellar-worthy wines.