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Valdicava
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About Valdicava
In his youth Vincenzo Abbruzzese spent summers working at Valdicava,
his grandparents’ winery in northern Montalcino. His grandmother bought
these gentle slopes in 1953 and with her husband planted the first
vines here. However, her son left home for Siena, where Vincenzo was
born and raised. Abbruzzese cultivated an avid interest in science and
chose an engineering track when he began his university studies in
Florence.
Graduation was finally approaching in 1987 when his
grandfather announced the intention to sell Valdicava; Vincenzo’s eyes
opened to a new future, and when he left Florence for Montalcino he did
not look back. Abbruzzese was well aware of the challenges that faced
him. The property was pleading for drastic improvements and the young
man had hardly any capital of his own; but he was a dedicated worker
and promptly began a series of improvements that would shape Valdicava
into the top quality winery he envisioned.
Vincenzo’s systematic
changes have earned Valdicava a place among the elite producers of
Brunello di Montalcino. With just 10 hectares in the coldest part of
the Brunello zone, he is probably the most exacting grower in the area,
managing vegetation so that each grape will enjoy the perfect amount of
sun and mercilessly expunging tightly packed grapes to avoid rot and
diseases. He has also rebuilt the cellar, where he replaced his
grandparents’ botti with stainless steel and oak fermenters and new
wood casks for ageing. Abbruzzese’s Brunello and Brunello Riserva are
truly outstanding, while the Rosso di Montalcino is one of the best
available; and all of his bottlings consistently demonstrate richness
and excellent structure. |
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