Cupano

Podere Centine, now Cupano, was founded in 1994 by Ornella Tondini and Lionel Cousin. She is a journalist and he is a director. They have been frequenting Montalcino for years like loving tourists, but at the first right opportunity they buy the farm that's right for them; in fact the land, located south-west of Montalcino, near the medieval village of Camigliano, had remained uncultivated for more than 40 years. Extremely pure soil, untouched by chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides or any other form of industrial agriculture: exactly what they were looking for. In fact, the ante-litteram organic farming practices began immediately and in 1997, Ornella and Lionel chose to plant 3.4 hectares of vineyards around the hill, facing south: 2.4 hectares of Sangiovese for Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino, 0.6 Cabernet Sauvignon and 0.4 Merlot. Agronomist Carlo Ferrini helps in selecting the soil for the vines and vines, the cultivation system, while François Bouchet introduces the couple to biodynamic agriculture. In 2013, another three hectares of vineyards were planted: Sangiovese (2 ha), Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. Year after year we discover that the position of the estate and, above all, the geological aspect are truly precious and also rare, in these parts, so advantageous for the cultivation of Sangiovese. The estate is 30 km from the sea, takes advantage of the temperate climate and sea breezes, dominates the valley and the Ombrone river which flows under the hill. The terroir, composed of sandy clay with extensive pebble substructure, is quite unique in Montalcino. The estate today consists of 35 hectares, all cultivated with organic farming: 6.4 hectares of vineyards, 2 hectares of olive trees, 18 hectares of forest, 8 hectares of arable land. The true, unique and profound intent of the family is to infuse their wines with a memory, the surrounding landscape, a season, the story of a harvest. And by tasting the wines of Cupano, all this was thus naturally achieved, to the full advantage of lovers of good local wine.