Il Marroneto: A Tale of Tradition and Excellence in Montalcino.
Nestled on the picturesque hill of Montalcino, Il Marroneto is one of the region’s most revered wineries, famed for its exquisite Brunello di Montalcino. Led by the charismatic Alessandro Mori, the winery has become synonymous with purity, tradition, and a deep connection to the land, producing wines that express the very soul of Tuscany.
Alessandro Mori, a former lawyer turned vintner, has maintained a steadfast dedication to the traditional methods of winemaking since he took over the estate in 1994. His journey back to Montalcino began with a life-changing realization that his heart belonged to the rolling vineyards of Il Marroneto, a decision that continues to shape his life and the winery’s philosophy to this day. His return was a re-commitment to the values instilled during his youth—working the land with his family, respecting nature, and upholding the Brunello heritage.
Montalcino: A Unique Terroir
Montalcino, a small hilltop town in Tuscany, is known globally for its production of Brunello, one of Italy’s most celebrated wines. Mori describes it as a magical place where Sangiovese thrives like nowhere else, thanks to a unique terroir that combines the perfect balance of altitude, climate, and soil. “It’s like a fantastic woman,” Mori notes with affection, “capable of greatness if treated with care.”
Unlike other regions in Tuscany, Montalcino is particularly well-suited to produce 100% Sangiovese, creating wines with unmatched elegance and complexity. The volcanic soils, the varying altitudes—from 150 to 630 meters above sea level—and the influence of the sea create microclimates that give each vineyard its own unique expression.
For Mori, this terroir is sacred. His respect for it is evident in every bottle of Il Marroneto, particularly in the Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie, a selection that has earned international acclaim, including the coveted 100-point score from renowned wine critic Monica Larner of Wine Advocate for the 2010 and 2016 vintages.
The Journey of Il Marroneto
The history of Il Marroneto dates back to 1974 when Mori’s father, also a lawyer, purchased a small plot of land in Montalcino as a retreat. Initially, there were no vines—just a small farmhouse and a rugged landscape. But the family quickly fell in love with the land and began planting Sangiovese in the mid-1970s. What started as a weekend project eventually became a full-fledged passion for Alessandro, who took over the management of the winery in the 1990s, leaving behind a career in banking in Rome.
Initially, Il Marroneto only produced Brunello di Montalcino from its small 1.7-hectare vineyard, a wine characterized by its elegance, balance, and adherence to traditional methods. Over time, Mori acquired additional small parcels of land, expanding the vineyard to its current size of 7.5 hectares. Despite this growth, production remains limited, with around 45,000 bottles per year, ensuring that quality is never sacrificed for quantity.
A Philosophy Rooted in Tradition
Alessandro Mori’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “stay true to the roots”. His winemaking approach is grounded in the belief that nature should dictate the process, not the demands of the market or modern trends. This commitment to traditional winemaking practices has kept Il Marroneto at the forefront of Brunello producers, even during challenging times like the Brunello scandal in 2008, when some producers were caught blending unauthorized grapes into their Brunello’s.
During that tumultuous period, Mori stood his ground, continuing to produce wines that were 100% Sangiovese, following the strict rules of the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. His integrity earned him the respect of his peers and wine lovers alike, and Il Marroneto emerged as a symbol of the authentic Brunello tradition.
“I remained faithful to myself,” Mori says, reflecting on the choices that have shaped Il Marroneto’s identity. “I didn’t follow trends or make wine for the final customer. My goal has always been to let the wine express itself naturally.”
A Family Legacy
In recent years, Mori’s son Iacopo has joined the winery, ensuring that the family tradition continues into the next generation. Mori encouraged Iacopo to create his own wine that reflects his youthful perspective, resulting in the birth of a new Rosso di Montalcino, a blend that showcases Iacopo’s personal style while remaining rooted in the family’s dedication to quality.
Mori’s commitment to family and tradition is evident not only in his winemaking but also in his deep connection to the land and the memories that shaped his youth. The winery’s name, Il Marroneto, is a tribute to this enduring connection, a place where past, present, and future intertwine.
The Wines of Il Marroneto
While Il Marroneto is best known for its Brunello di Montalcino, the winery also produces other exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Montalcino:
- Ignacio Rosso di Montalcino: Often seen as the “baby Brunello,” Il Marroneto’s Rosso di Montalcino comes in two versions, Ignacio and Selezione Iacopo. The Rosso di Montalcino offers a fresher, earlier-drinking expression of Sangiovese while still maintaining the depth and structure that the winery is known for.
- Selezione Iacopo: A new addition to the portfolio, created by Mori’s son, Iacopo. This wine is a blend of Brunello barrels chosen by Iacopo to reflect his personal interpretation of the terroir.
- Brunello di Montalcino: A wine of elegance and structure, showcasing the purity of Sangiovese and the unique characteristics of the Il Marroneto vineyards.
- Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie: A vineyard selection that has garnered international acclaim for its complexity, balance, and aging potential. The 2010 and 2016 vintages both received 100 points from Robert Parker.
Looking to the Future
As Il Marroneto looks to the future, Alessandro Mori remains committed to the values that have guided the winery for decades. With Iacopo now involved, the future of Il Marroneto is in good hands, ensuring that the legacy of tradition, authenticity, and respect for the land will continue for generations to come.
In a world where many producers chase trends and market demands, Il Marroneto stands as a beacon of integrity and tradition, producing wines that not only capture the essence of Montalcino but also resonate with wine lovers around the globe.
Grape Masters
Alessandro is our guest in episode 6 of our podcast Grape Masters, which will be released shortly. Stay tuned for this great interview. More information on Grape Masters can be found here.
This article is written by our own Niels Aarts, in partnership with Crurated. We would like to thank Alessandro of Il Marroneto and Paolo Sforza of Crurated for their contribution to this article.
For more information on Il Marroneto wines or to explore their latest offerings, visit the winery’s website or check out Crurated, a platform that guarantees the authenticity and traceability of their wines. Picture credits: Il Marroneto.
