Description

“Proprietor Andrea Mantengoli can be counted on for rich, powerful wines full of character at La Serena.” – Antonio Galloni

“His wines meet that illusive sweet point between power and elegance that is so difficult to achieve.” – Wine Advocate

The La Serena estate has belonged to the Mantengoli family since the 1930s, but they did not start making wine until 1988, when twin brothers Andrea & Marcello entered the family business. What began as a one-hectare farm has since grown into nine hectares, with about six of those under vine, dedicated exclusively to Sangiovese for Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino. Andrea has always worked the vineyards in an organic way, but since the 2013 vintage his wines are now officially certified as “Made With Organic Grapes” on the label.

The estate is directly east of Montalcino in an area that has always produced highly acclaimed Brunello. Andrea’s neightbors include Cerbaiona, Casanova di Neri and even Biondi Santi’s Il Greppo estate. The estate is at 400 meters above sea level, and the soil here is similar to the Pertimali/Montosoli Cru areas, but is slightly less compact, providing wines with structure but perhaps more approachability in their youth than their neighbors.

• Certified Organic since 2013
• 100% Sangiovese from the La Serena estate harvested during the first two weeks of October
• Vineyards located at 400 meters planted to soils of clay, sand and marl
• Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel before wine moves into cask
• Aged for three years in a combination of 20, 30, 40 and 70 hectoliter French oak casks, plus four months in bottle

“There’s a fruity side to this red as well as a spicy side, with cherry, strawberry and black pepper flavors throughout. Floral, iron and underbrush accents add depth, yet it’s the beam of pure cherry that prevails. Shows prodigious length on the finish. Best from 2027 through 2043. 4,000 cases made, 1,800 cases imported.” – 95 points, Wine Spectator