Collection: Montenidoli

Wines from the Hills of San Gimignano

Montenidoli is located high in the hills outside San Gimignano, on the border with Chianti Classico, surrounded by about 200 hectares of contiguous nature. It is a place characterized by light, altitude, and tranquility - and one of the most distinctive terroirs in the area.

When Elisabetta Fagiuoli took over the property in 1965, the forest had taken over. Vineyards and olive groves were overgrown, and the place appeared as untouched nature. Instead of taming the landscape, Elisabetta chose to work with it. The fundamental philosophy has since been that the winemaker's role is to serve nature - not to rule over it.

Elisabetta Fagiuoli is today considered one of the most respected winemakers in San Gimignano and one of the key figures behind the area's quality improvement. She is especially recognized for her vernaccia wines, which are considered among the area's absolute best – wines with great precision, depth, and a remarkable ability to develop over many years. Montenidoli's vernaccia has helped change the perception of what the grape can achieve when cultivated with consistency, altitude, and patience.

Nature, Cycles, and Slow Work

The work at Montenidoli is based on natural cycles and great respect for time and seasons. Pruning is done gently and only during the winter rest period. The pruned material is chopped, fermented, and returned to the soil as compost.

Over the years, active efforts have been made to build up the soil's life. This includes using natural fertilizers and strengthening the soil's structure through earthworms and organic material. All work is based on observation rather than intervention, and the pace is dictated by nature's rhythm.

Soil and Grape Varieties

Montenidoli's vineyards are located at different levels of the slopes, and the soil changes noticeably with altitude.

The lower vineyards have sandy, calcareous soil with high minerality. Here, vernaccia thrives particularly well and forms the basis for the estate's white wines, known for their clarity, structure, and aging ability.

Higher up, the soil becomes more reddish and mineral-rich – ideal for sangiovese. From here come the red wines, which combine freshness, structure, and a clear expression of the place.

Vineyards and olive groves are protected by the surrounding forest, consisting of old oak trees, pine trees, and varied undergrowth. The forest is an integral part of the estate's ecosystem and contributes to both biodiversity and balance in the vineyards.

Olive Oil as Part of the Whole

In addition to wine, Montenidoli also produces olive oil, primarily from the varieties moraiolo and correggiolo. Moraiolo contributes structure and depth, while correggiolo provides aroma and freshness. The combination results in an oil with both body and fragrance – locally known as the farmer's gold.

Montenidoli at Copenhagen Wine

For us, Montenidoli is a reference point in San Gimignano. A place where especially vernaccia, but also sangiovese, is interpreted with consistency, patience, and a rare respect for nature. Wines with clarity, energy, and a strong sense of place - created without haste and without compromises.