Cerbaiona

Cerbaiona was founded in 1977 by Diego Molinari, a retired Alitalia pilot who established the estate in an intermediate zone between northern and southern Montalcino. The first vintage was released in 1982, and the estate quickly built a cult following for its traditional approach to Brunello. The vineyard site itself had legendary status in the region for nearly 200 years before the Brunello DOCG was formally established. In 2015, Molinari sold Cerbaiona to American investors Matthew Fioretti and Gary Rieschel, who have continued the traditional winemaking philosophy while investing in the estate's future.

• Founded 1977 by retired Alitalia pilot Diego Molinari
• First commercial vintage released in 1982
• Vineyard site held legendary status for nearly 200 years before Brunello DOCG
• Sold to American investors Fioretti and Rieschel in 2015

Cerbaiona's vineyards sit in an intermediate zone between northern and southern Montalcino at 350-400 meters above sea level, where east-facing slopes benefit from a warm, dry microclimate with gentle breezes. This positioning balances ripeness with freshness and structure. Soils are complex, with rocky gravel topsoils over a base of Galestro (limestone shale), Alberese (marl limestone with high calcium carbonate), and sand. The original 3 hectares were entirely replanted between 2016 and 2021 with new clones using the traditional alberello training method, and an additional hectare was added from a former olive grove, bringing the total to approximately 4-4.5 hectares.

• East-facing slopes at 350-400 meters in Montalcino's intermediate zone
• Complex soils: rocky gravel, Galestro, Alberese, and sand
• Replanted 2016-2021 using alberello training on new clones
• Additional 1 hectare added from former olive grove under new ownership

Cerbaiona practices a strict minimal-intervention approach. Grapes are harvested by hand, fermentation is spontaneous in wooden tanks, and the wine ages for a minimum of four years in large Slavonian oak casks. No additions or subtractions are made at any stage of production. The estate produces Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Rosso di Montalcino DOC, and a Sangiovese IGT. A modern winery completed in 2021 incorporates advanced technology and an in-house laboratory, supporting the estate's commitment to precision without sacrificing traditional values. Cerbaiona also declared itself a 'No Scores Zone' in 2015, refusing all wine point ratings.

• Hand harvest, spontaneous fermentation in wooden tanks
• Minimum 4 years in large Slavonian oak casks with no additions or subtractions
• Produces Brunello DOCG, Rosso di Montalcino DOC, and Sangiovese IGT
• New winery built 2021 with advanced technology and in-house laboratory

Under the current ownership of Fioretti and Rieschel, Cerbaiona converted to organic farming, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability on the estate. The complete replanting program from 2016 to 2021 used carefully selected clones planted in the traditional alberello bush-vine style, which limits yields and promotes concentration. Despite these modern investments, the winemaking philosophy remains rooted in the traditional methods established by Molinari, with the goal of producing structured, age-worthy Brunello that reflects the estate's distinctive terroir.

• Converted to certified organic farming under current ownership
• Alberello training limits yields and promotes concentration
• Complete replanting program used carefully selected new clones
• Annual production of 10,000-15,000 bottles of Brunello