Avignonesi – A Contemporary Vision of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Heritage, biodynamic rigor and a pure, luminous interpretation of Sangiovese

Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Avignonesi stands as one of the historic and emblematic estates of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano appellation. Founded in the 14th century, the estate underwent a profound renaissance in 2009 under the leadership of Virginie Saverys. Her uncompromising vision transformed Avignonesi into one of Italy’s leading biodynamic wineries, redefining the identity of Montepulciano with precision, authenticity and a deep respect for the land.

Today, Avignonesi embodies a harmonious balance between centuries-old heritage, meticulous innovation and a uniquely precise parcel-based approach, with an unwavering commitment to expressing the purest and most transparent form of Sangiovese.

Terroir & Vineyard – The Many Faces of Montepulciano

The estate spans nearly 180 hectares across a mosaic of terroirs characteristic of Montepulciano. Red clays, fractured galestro schist, sands and calcareous zones form an exceptional geological patchwork, allowing Sangiovese to reveal a wide palette of aromas, textures and structures.

Altitude, constant breezes and the intense Tuscan luminosity contribute to the grape’s natural finesse, freshness and structural balance. Fully certified biodynamic, Avignonesi places soil vitality, biodiversity and the energy of the living world at the core of its viticultural philosophy.

Each cuvée thus becomes the faithful and transparent expression of its origin — free of artifice, guided only by the authenticity of the terroir.

Winemaking Philosophy & Elevage – Purity, Gravity & Precision

The cellar at Avignonesi is designed to work entirely by gravity flow, eliminating pumping and preserving the integrity of the fruit. Fermentations occur naturally using indigenous yeasts, offering a pure, unfiltered reading of each plot’s identity.

Ageing is tailored to each wine: large oak casks to maintain verticality and tension in Sangiovese; French barrels of various ages to build complexity while respecting the aromatic purity; and élevage durations adjusted according to structure, balance and potential.

This philosophy, combining rigor with sensitivity, produces wines that are contemporary, precise and deeply rooted in their Tuscan heritage.

Wine Style – Luminous, Tense & Pure Expressions of Sangiovese

Avignonesi wines are distinguished by their remarkable aromatic purity, bright red fruit, elegant acidity and perfectly defined structure. On the palate, the wines reveal silky textures, harmonious balance and a lingering, refined finish that highlights the natural verticality of Sangiovese.

The style is luminous, nuanced and vibrant — approachable in youth yet capable of evolving with great grace. A modern, authentic and refined interpretation of Tuscan identity.

Signature Wines

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The estate’s benchmark cuvée. Structured, precise and a pure expression of Sangiovese and the Montepulciano terroir.

Grandi Annate – 100% Sangiovese
Produced only in the finest vintages. A deep, vertical wine of controlled intensity and exceptional purity.

Desiderio – Merlot
A unique Tuscan interpretation of Merlot. Ample, refined and beautifully balanced — one of the most elegant Merlots produced in Italy.

Occhio di Pernice – Vin Santo
A rare, iconic cuvée aged for many years according to traditional methods. Deep, complex and delicately oxidative — one of the world’s benchmark Vin Santo wines.

Conclusion – A Leading Voice in Modern Tuscany

Through its unwavering commitment to biodynamics, its precise parcel-based interpretations and a luminous reading of Sangiovese, Avignonesi stands among the most influential estates in Tuscany. Its wines — tense, refined and deeply expressive — embody a contemporary vision of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: authentic, elegant and confidently forward-looking.