The Estate
Descending from Montalcino towards Tavernelle, Argiano sits atop a plateau at an altitude of approximately 350 meters above sea level. Nestled on the southwestern slope of Montalcino, the estate benefits from ancient calcareous marl soils, formed around 25 million years ago when the ocean covering this region receded, leaving behind marine deposits. Fossils found in our vineyards bear witness to this geological history. This area is among the most suitable for cultivating Sangiovese, thanks to its ventilated microclimate and calcareous marl soils, which enhance the wines’ ageing potential and create a distinctive expression of their unique terroir.
THE INTERPRETATION OF SOILS
Argiano spans 125 hectares, primarily woodland, with 60 hectares dedicated to vineyards and 10 to olive groves. The estate’s crown jewel is Sangiovese, covering 42 hectares, primarily in the central-northern part of the property.
The remaining vineyard area is home to French varietals—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot—which have been integral to Argiano’s history for decades. In 2013, a detailed soil study led by Pedro Parra and agronomist Francesco Monari revealed the diverse stratifications of Argiano’s terroir. Starting in 2015, the estate began vinifying and ageing grapes from its six best vineyard plots separately, all situated in the north-central zone with marl-rich soils. Meanwhile, the estate’s lower areas, with sandier alluvial soils, host younger Sangiovese vines and French varietals.
To learn more watch the full video by Pierre Le Hong
NORTH
CENTER-NORTH
CENTER-SOUTH
SOUTH
NORTH
The northern zone is Argiano’s most significant area for Sangiovese production.
The oceanic marl soils here feature 45% marine clay and alkaline conditions with a pH of 8.5, creating an ideal environment for producing some of the finest Sangiovese grapes in the entire Montalcino region.
The historic 60-year-old Vigna del Suolo vineyard defines Argiano’s heritage and future, with ongoing experimentation to select and refine Sangiovese Grosso clones for the estate.
- Medium deep limestone marl
- Medium deep limestone marl transition to clay silty
- Slightly stony alluvial soil
- Brown, silty clay alluvial soil
CENTER-NORTH
The central-northern zone is home to the majority of Argiano’s vineyards, particularly the northeastern section, where approximately 10 hectares form a natural “amphitheater” for Sangiovese. This area transitions from alluvial soils to marl-rich soils, yielding some of the estate’s most intense and refined Sangiovese expressions. The finest plots from this area, vinified and aged separately, are integral to Brunello di Argiano. The northwestern section features tuffaceous soils.
- Medium deep limestone marl
- Medium deep limestone marl transition to clay silty
- Slightly stony alluvial soil
- Brown, silty clay alluvial soil
- Silty sandy alluvial soil
CENTER-SOUTH
This area showcases significant soil stratification, with alluvial layers atop a limestone foundation. The result is wines with enhanced freshness and more generous yields.
The Oliviera vineyard is planted with Sangiovese, while the Fontanelle and Casale vineyards host international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.
- Medium deep limestone marl
- Medium deep limestone marl transition to clay silty
- Slightly stony alluvial soil
- Brown, silty clay alluvial soil
- Silty sandy alluvial soil
SOUTH
Historically, the southern zone features more alluvial soils, characterized by a rich skeletal structure, neutral pH, and darker hues.
These well-draining soils and optimal sun exposure allow Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot to ripen to perfection, achieving exceptional elegance.
In the clay-rich Crocino vineyard, a particularly fresh Sangiovese is cultivated, typically used in the production of Rosso di Montalcino.
- Medium deep limestone marl
- Medium deep limestone marl transition to clay silty
- Silty sandy alluvial soil