View of La Serena Vineyards in Montalcin

Azienda Agricola La Serena

The Mantengoli family of Montalcino have been owners of the estate of La Rasa since 1933, but they did not start making wine until 1988, when brothers Andrea and Marcello entered the business. At that time the estate was just one hectare.  With great energy and many years of hard work the two brothers have expanded it to 50 hectares in total, with 9 hectares under vine. The imposing new winery was designed by Marcello,  who is an architect. Total production is just 11,000 bottles per year, including Rosso di Montalcino as well as Brunello.

The reputation of La Serena has continually grown since 1988, aided greatly by the efforts of two renowned consultants - agronomist Lucio Maruotti and winemaker Paolo Caciorgna.   La Serena is located in the zone of Torrenieri, in the NE corner of Montalcino, near the famous cru of Montosoli, sharing its classic limestone-rich Tufo soil. The estate is organically farmed by Andrea, his wife Elisabetta, and their young son Giorgio.  The high elevation - a very impressive 430m above sea level - has a very pronounced impact on the wine: slower ripening provides grapes that combine full phenolic ripeness and  bracing acidity.  Vinified in stainless steel then aged in Slavonian 'botti and old barriques, the wines are rich and full but very elegant. Their purity of fruit makes them immensely enjoyable to drink young, but they have the natural balance and finesse to age beautifully too, acquiring more and more typicity as they do.