Nestled between Montalcino and Scansano are the hills of the Montecucco DOC, wich are comprised of small medieval townships such as Cinigiano and Castel del Piano. In the heart of this relatively new DOC among the soft rolling hills of Poggi del Sasso, stands the Salustri farm, within view of and just 15 Km from the Montalcino valley. The Salustri's have been a part of this landscape since the 1200's and only know their family's agricultural traditions, wich have handed down throughout their generations.
Salustri is a small commune surrounded by 150 hectares of woods, vineyards, olive groves, and field crops. The hills of Poggi del Sasso have been descibed by several noted enologists as one of the premier microclimates and incomparable areas of agiculture in Tuscany because of the soil composition, the concentrated sun on top of these hills, and cooling sea breezes from the sea just 25 Km away. It is here that Mr. Salustri and his son have perfected their organic farming practice past on to them by their fathers. Their farm is and has been a way of life. It is their culture. "we only know the organic way because my father never knew of anyway else".
The signature of Salustri is caseful astension to their vineyards. Throughout the growing season the grapes are monitored and two to four clusters of grapes are harvested before ripening to allow for only the best clusters to achieve superiority. The consequence of this practice is that the Salustri's have the lowest production in Tuscany is about 4500 kilo's per hectare, but ultimately they have the best fruit to work with when it is time to make wine. Mr. Salustri and his son select each grape on the wine before it is picked and brought of their new, uptaded facility where they crush and ferment in oak barrels, carefully punching down the cap three to four times per day.
Due to these impeccable cultural farming traditions and the quality of their land, the Salustri's harvest the fines black grapes. Combine this with the very latest winemaking techniques and the Salustri's have a truly remarkable wine. Recently the Santa Marta won a bronze medal in the largest organic wine competition held in Nuremburg Germany and the Grotte Rosse was included as one of the 100 best wines of the world by the italian magazine "Bere".
The Holiday Farmhouse
The agritourism complex 'Il Mandorlo', situated in a panoramic position with superb views, with the wooded heights of the Maremma on the one side and the Sienese valleys on the other, is ideal for all who want to get away from the stresses of modern life.
The vicinity of famous cities of art (Siena, Florence, Montalcino), of the sea, of natural parks (Park of the Uccellina and of the Amiata), makes these areas ideal for excursions into nature and for a stay in uncontaminated places, rich in enchanting views, with the colours and smells characteristic of the Mediterranean.
The cottages, which are part of a little village of the thirteenth century, have been restored with respect to the original characteristics and materials.
The spacious gardens that surround the apartments allow the guests to have their own space, with tables, chairs and sunloungers where they can relax in complete tranquillity