Monastero

Brand Description

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 and Viticulture 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 tended right from pruning, initiating 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 of considerable personality do their utmost to fully enhance the particular characteristics of the grape varieties origin without disguising the positive aspects of the local terroir.

Owner: Alessandro Cellai
Winemaker: Alessandro Cellai
Total acreage under vine: 7
Founded: 1999
Production: 6500

“Made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this has aromas of violet, mocha and cooking spice. The forward palate evokes dried blackberry, licorice and white pepper alongside close-grained tannins.”
— acclaim for 2018 Monastero Campanaio from Wine Enthusiast, Jun 2021

“This Pinot Nero opens with aromas of red-skinned berries, underbrush and cedar. The juicy, savory palate offers crushed raspberry, cinnamon and clove alongside polished tannins.”
— acclaim for 2018 Monastero La Pineta from Wine Enthusiast, Jun 2021

“A pure expression of Pinot Nero from the heart of Tuscany, the Podere Monastero 2018 La Pineta is a dark and shapely expression with extra fiber and richness at its core. The wine reveals aromas of wild berry and cherry followed by light spice, cedar wood and a touch of cinnamon. To be honest, this vintage is far more Tuscan in character, thanks to the warm sunshine that washes over this region, than it is varietally driven, per se.”
— acclaim for 2018 Monastero La Pineta from Wine Advocate, Mar 2021

View more acclaim

Find a Distributor

BRAND MATERIALS

POS Materials Monastero's website Acclaim

See Monastero products

Monastero

Brand Description

Location of Vineyard

Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy

View More from Monastero >

Monastero Campanaio

Monastero La Pineta