“When the sun’s rays touch Montalcino.”
A beautiful motto, signed by Patrizia Cencioni.
An extraordinary woman, among the first to establish herself in what was once an almost exclusively male world: the producers of Brunello di Montalcino. A path that required immense courage. Patrizia has shown strength, character, and an unwavering passion for her land, becoming over time a true reference point for the territory.
Among her wines, the Brunello di Montalcino “Ofelio” stands out, dedicated to the great-uncle who supported and guided her throughout her journey.
Yet, in my opinion, this wine does not only tell the story of Ofelio — it tells the story of Patrizia herself.
A decisive, deep, and intense wine. Just like her.
To truly understand the philosophy of the estate, one must begin with its wines. These are the labels I had the pleasure of tasting.
Rosato IGT 2024
Pure Sangiovese, with a very short maceration (4–6 hours) and ageing exclusively in stainless steel. Dry, fresh, and mineral, expressing immediacy and elegance.
Rosso di Montalcino 2023
Aromas of crisp red fruit with notes of blood orange. A young, vibrant, and energetic wine.
Brunello di Montalcino – Annata
Produced from grapes grown in all the estate’s vineyards and aged in barrels of different sizes. Balanced and gentle, with notes of sour cherry, tobacco, leather, and a delicate balsamic touch. Still young, it needs time to fully express its potential.
Brunello di Montalcino “Ofelio”
Selected from the oldest vineyards (40–50 years), aged exclusively in medium-sized barrels. On the nose, notes of morello cherry, violet, and Mediterranean herbs emerge. It is the deepest and most rustic wine of the range, yet incredibly elegant: intense, decisive, and full of personality.
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019
An aromatic explosion in the glass: ripe red fruits, spices, forest floor, and balsamic nuances. Warm and powerful, yet always harmonious and elegant.
Solarianne Toscana IGT
A fascinating project: a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, combined only at the final blending stage. Entirely aged in barriques, it reveals a floral and fruity profile with a distinct and independent personality.
Alongside the wines, another noteworthy project is the Wine Club, launched in 2020. As with everything that bears Patrizia Cencioni’s signature, every detail is carefully designed: from the label — always featuring the sunray motif — to the way the customer is guided over time, following tastes, preferences, and individual wine journeys.
Now, all that remains is to look forward with curiosity to what the future will bring.
A beautiful idea, just like the sun that gently touches Montalcino.
And so the story continues —
from one vintage to the next, from one ray of sunlight to another.
In every glass lives a fragment of Montalcino:
its light, its silence, its seasons, and the quiet strength of a woman who chose to believe in her land.
Some wines do more than express a territory.
They carry memory, courage, and vision.
And when the sun’s rays touch Montalcino,
they also touch the soul of those who listen to its wines.
