Estate Owned by: Alessandro Cellai | Winemaker: Alessandro Cellai | Agronomist: Alessandro Cellai | Viticulture Method: Conventional | Extension: 3 ha | Estate Founded: 2000 | Winery Production Total: 11.000 Btls.

Established in 2000 by oenologist Alessandro Cellai, Monastero was created with the sole aim of making two great wines: Pinot Nero and Campanaio. Pinot Nero, although not easily adapted to conditions in Italy, is considered to be one of the best grape varieties in the world, capable of producing wines of extraordinary elegance and harmony. Konrad Winzer, a contemporary sculptor and friend of the estate, lent his artistic talents to creating the unique labels for these wines.

Location of Vineyard

The Podere Monastero estate is situated in Chianti’s Castellina, in the heart of Tuscany, about 1650 feet above sea level. The vineyards occupy an area of 7.5 acres, half of which are used for the cultivation of Pinot Nero, while the remaining acres are split between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The choice of land and, to an even greater extent, the choice of the clones and rootstocks, was critical to the winery. The latter required extensive research, carried out by the most prestigious nurseries in France.

Winemaking Philosophy

Every single operation is approached with meticulous attention, from vineyard to cellar. La Pineta (100% Pinot Nero) is created with this philosophy; each vine is carefully tended each year from budding, fruiting, harvest, and pruning, ensuring the creation of a superb product. Campanaio (50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon), despite being made with grape varieties more common to the Chianti production zone, is also the result of meticulous attention, beginning with the choice of rootings. These two wines exhibit unique personality, both fully exalting the particular characteristics of their grape varietals, without disguising the positive benefits of the local terroir.