The History
It all began with Giano. The story of Argiano finds its roots in the Roman god Giano (Janus), the deity of beginnings, transitions, and transformations. The name “Argiano” is said to derive from Ara Jani, a temple dedicated to Janus at the foot of Argiano’s hill, though some theories suggest it may come from the nearby Orcia River. Over the centuries, Argiano has witnessed many transformations. A family chapel, still standing on the estate today, was later built on the site of the ancient temple.
THE NEW RENAISSANCE OF ARGIANO
During the Renaissance, the Pecci family built the magnificent Villa Bellaria in front of the chapel, an architectural gem that soon became a hub for both cultural and wine production activities, cementing Argiano’s reputation as a top producer of Brunello di Montalcino. Now, nearly five centuries later, Argiano has embraced a New Renaissance, initiated in 2013 with the meticulous restoration of its historic buildings and wine production. Like Janus, the two-faced god, Argiano reflects on its rich past, drawing strength from the traditions and identity of Montalcino while looking forward to a future rooted in sustainability and innovation.
813
Argiano is mentioned for the first time in a document issued by Ludwig the Pious, documenting the transfer of its church to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo.
1212
The Abbot of Sant’Antimo cedes Argiano to Siena, beginning a series of ownership transfers among Sienese families.
1581-1596
The Pecci family commission the construction of Villa Bellaria to Sienese architect Baldassarre Peruzzi. In 1616 the villa was described by Bartolomeo Gherardini as “the most beautiful country Palazzo in the Sienese State.”
1840
Ersilia Caetani Lovatelli is born. Noblewoman and renowned scholar, first woman enrolled in the Accademia dei Lincei, she helps popularize Argiano’s wines across Italy and Europe. Thanks to her, Argiano’s wines reached Italian poet Giosuè Carducci, who wrote: “…In bitterness I cleansed myself with the wine of Argiano, which is good indeed”.
1932
Argiano wins its first international recognition, receiving a Medal at the Brussels International Food Fair.
1967
Argiano becomes a founding member of the Consorzio del Brunello.
1995
Renowned enologist Giacomo Tachis collaborates with then-owner Noemi Marone Cinzano to craft the first vintage of Solengo, a groundbreaking Super Tuscan.
2014-2022
André Santos Esteves acquires Argiano, initiating its “New Renaissance,” including soil studies led by Pedro Parra and the restoration of Villa Bellaria by the architect Filippo Gastone Scheggi.
2015
The first vintage of Vigna del Suolo, a Brunello cru from a vineyard planted in 1965, is harvested.
2016-2021
Argiano earns its organic certification, becomes the first plastic-free winery in Montalcino and achieves Carbon Neutrality.
2023
Crowning ten years of work, Argiano’s 2018 Brunello is selected as Wine of the Year in Wine Spectator’s Top 100.
2024
Argiano achieves Equalitas certification, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability in every aspect of production.
813
Argiano is mentioned for the first time in a document issued by Ludwig the Pious, documenting the transfer of its church to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo.
1212
The Abbot of Sant’Antimo cedes Argiano to Siena, beginning a series of ownership transfers among Sienese families.
1581-1596
The Pecci family commission the construction of Villa Bellaria to Sienese architect Baldassarre Peruzzi. In 1616 the villa was described by Bartolomeo Gherardini as “the most beautiful country Palazzo in the Sienese State.”
1840
Ersilia Caetani Lovatelli is born. Noblewoman and renowned scholar, first woman enrolled in the Accademia dei Lincei, she helps popularize Argiano’s wines across Italy and Europe. Thanks to her, Argiano’s wines reached Italian poet Giosuè Carducci, who wrote: “…In bitterness I cleansed myself
with the wine of Argiano, which is good indeed”.
1932
Argiano wins its first international recognition, receiving a Medal at the Brussels International Food Fair.
1967
Argiano becomes a founding member of the Consorzio del Brunello.
1995
Renowned enologist Giacomo Tachis collaborates with then-owner Noemi Marone Cinzano to craft the first vintage of Solengo, a groundbreaking Super Tuscan.
2014-2022
André Santos Esteves acquires Argiano, initiating its “New Renaissance,” including soil studies led by Pedro Parra and the restoration of Villa Bellaria by the architect Filippo Gastone Scheggi.
2015
The first vintage of Vigna del Suolo, a Brunello cru from a vineyard planted in 1965, is harvested.
2016-2021
Argiano earns its organic certification, becomes the first plastic-free winery in Montalcino and achieves Carbon Neutrality.
2023
Crowning ten years of work, Argiano’s 2018 Brunello is selected as Wine of the Year in Wine Spectator’s Top 100.
2024
Argiano achieves Equalitas certification, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability in every aspect of production.