Le Chiuse winery
Le Chiuse is a distinguished wine estate located in the heart of Montalcino, Tuscany, with a storied history deeply intertwined with the rise of Brunello di Montalcino. The property’s origins date back to the 18th century, but its modern legacy began when it was part of the legendary Biondi-Santi estate, the birthplace of Brunello. For generations, the vineyards of Le Chiuse provided grapes to Biondi-Santi’s iconic Riserva bottlings, before the estate was established independently in the early 1990s by Simonetta Valiani, the granddaughter of Tancredi Biondi-Santi. Today, the estate is managed by Simonetta, her husband Niccolò Magnelli, and their son Lorenzo, who together uphold the family’s tradition and commitment to quality.
The estate covers approximately 18 hectares, of which 8.5 hectares are dedicated to vineyards. These vineyards are planted exclusively with Sangiovese Grosso, the clone historically associated with Brunello. The vines benefit from the estate’s prime location on the northern slopes of Montalcino, at altitudes ranging from 300 to 350 meters above sea level. This position offers a cooler microclimate and optimal sun exposure, resulting in wines that are known for their elegance, freshness, and longevity. The soils, rich in galestro and clay, further contribute to the complexity and structure of the wines.
Le Chiuse practices organic viticulture, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and respect for the land. Vineyard work is meticulous, with careful canopy management, green harvesting, and manual picking to ensure only the best fruit is selected. In the cellar, the approach is equally traditional: fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts, and aging occurs in large Slavonian oak casks, allowing the pure character of Sangiovese to shine. The estate produces Brunello di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva in exceptional vintages, and a Rosso di Montalcino. Each wine reflects the estate’s philosophy of minimal intervention and a deep respect for terroir.
Le Chiuse’s Brunello di Montalcino is celebrated for its refined aromatics, vibrant acidity, and silky tannins. The wine typically undergoes three years of aging in large casks and an additional year in bottle before release, resulting in a harmonious balance of fruit, floral, and earthy notes. In outstanding years, the estate produces a Brunello Riserva, sourced from the oldest vines and aged even longer, offering remarkable depth and aging potential. The Rosso di Montalcino, made from younger vines or barrels not selected for Brunello, is a vibrant and approachable expression of Sangiovese, yet still marked by the estate’s signature finesse.
Le Chiuse has garnered acclaim among critics and collectors for its unwavering commitment to traditional methods and the authenticity of its wines. The estate remains a family-run operation, with each generation contributing to its legacy while embracing innovation where it enhances quality. Visitors to Le Chiuse are welcomed with warm hospitality, offering a glimpse into the estate’s heritage and the meticulous craftsmanship behind every bottle. Through dedication to the land and a passion for Sangiovese, Le Chiuse continues to be a benchmark for classic Brunello di Montalcino.