Alcineo 2018

Overview
Alcineo 2018 is a ready-to-drink red wine crafted only in the finest vintages, designed to balance immediacy, smoothness and territorial identity. It stands out for its harmonious combination of structure and elegance, offering richness without heaviness. The blend of Sangiovese from vineyards destined for Brunello, together with small percentages of international varieties, creates a wine with depth, aromatic clarity and a naturally inviting character. Its supple texture and lively fruit make it accessible yet refined, reflecting both the uniqueness of Montalcino and the meticulous work behind every bottle. Contains sulphites.

History of the Wine
Alcineo was conceived as a wine capable of expressing the territory in a more approachable style while maintaining the same artisanal commitment applied to the estate’s flagship labels. Initially produced in very limited quantities, it quickly gained its own identity, released only when the season allows balanced, fully ripe grapes. The 2018 vintage benefited from slow, even ripening, resulting in pronounced aromas, silky tannins and perfect integration among varieties. It represents the estate’s long-standing dedication to authenticity, precision and quality across all wines.

Vineyard Philosophy
The vineyards are located at 320 metres above sea level with a South-East exposure, a position that favours early sun, slow ripening and excellent aromatic development. The average vine age is around 20 years, rooted in dry and stony soils that encourage concentration and natural minerality. Vineyard management follows integrated agriculture, with careful canopy control, low yields and selective thinning to ensure optimal fruit quality. Harvesting is done exclusively by hand, allowing precise selection of each bunch and preserving the integrity necessary for a balanced, expressive blend.

Winemaking Approach and Varieties
Alcineo 2018 is produced from Sangiovese (around 90%), complemented by Merlot and Cabernet in equal small proportions. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks of 30–40 hl, with 15–18 days of maceration at controlled temperatures to extract colour and fine tannins. After racking, the wine matures in new French barriques for 15–18 months, gaining depth, spice and roundness. A long bottle ageing of 24–36 months completes the evolution, delivering a wine that combines smoothness, aromatic balance and remarkable drinkability.

Tasting Notes

• Colour: deep, intense ruby with vibrant luminosity.

• Nose: notes of woodland berries, raspberry, cherry and subtle spicy tones.

• Palate: soft, elegant and persistent, with silky tannins and a balanced, satisfying finish.

Food Pairings
Perfect with Tuscan crostini, Cinta Senese cured meats, pasta with ragù, beef stews and slow-cooked dishes. Its smooth texture and balanced structure make it ideal both for traditional recipes and more rustic, flavourful preparations. A versatile wine suited to informal gatherings or refined dining.

Technical Sheet

• Vintage: 2018

• Appellation: IGT Toscana

• Grapes: 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet

• Production area: Montalcino

• Exposure: South-East – 320 m a.s.l.

• Soil: dry and stony

• Average vine age: 20 years

• Training: spur-pruned cordon

• Harvest: early October, hand-picked

• Vinification: 15–18 days in stainless steel at 28–30°C

• Ageing: 15–18 months in French barriques

• Bottle ageing: 24–36 months

• Production: 2,000 bottles

• Alcohol: 14.5%

• Serving temperature: 16–18°C

• Contains sulphites

Cantina Palazzo – History and Origins

The story of Cantina Palazzo began in 1983, when Cosimo Loia purchased the estate almost by coincidence—or perhaps through a curious twist of fate—since the property bore the same name, “Palazzo,” as his wife Antonietta’s family. This serendipitous detail initiated a family-driven vision that, by 1986, involved their children in the production of wine. The estate, anchored by an 18th-century farmhouse, was carefully restored over time, preserving the original Tuscan architectural style and becoming the beating heart of the winery. Since then, the Loia family has intertwined its identity with that of the land, transforming the property into a place where tradition and rural heritage flow naturally through a conscious and deeply rooted viticulture.

Vineyard Philosophy

The winery’s agricultural philosophy is grounded in a rigorous and responsible approach, expressed through the adoption of Integrated Farming. This method relies exclusively on organic fertilizers and treatments from biological cultivation, ensuring natural balance, biodiversity, and soil preservation. The estate’s soils, rich in calcareous galestro and native clays, provide an ideal foundation for vine growth, encouraging deep rooting and a slow, harmonious ripening of the grapes. Continuous sunlight from morning until sunset, combined with the protection of gentle sea breezes, creates a stable and beneficial microclimate. Throughout the season, strict grape selection ensures that only the finest clusters reach maturity, all of them harvested by hand to protect integrity and quality.

Winemaking Approach

The winery’s approach in the cellar mirrors the same care applied among the vines, seeking a perfect balance between innovation and tradition. All vinification spaces have been fully modernized, integrating advanced equipment that allows precise control over fermentation and maturation. Despite the technological upgrades, the goal remains constant: to enhance the natural expression of the fruit without forcing it, following each transformation stage with sensitivity and precision. The cellar becomes a space where technical expertise meets rural memory, allowing the wines to reveal authenticity, aromatic depth, and an unmistakable connection to their territory.

Estate Identity and Future Vision

Beyond wine production, the estate represents a place of identity and soul: the 18th-century farmhouse restored with care, maintaining the signature Tuscan character while integrating modern functionality. The Loia family has chosen to blend aesthetics, sustainability, and hospitality, making the property a symbol of dedication and cultural preservation. Today, Cantina Palazzo looks to the future with determination, maintaining craftsmanship and biodiversity at the core of its values. Each bottle reflects a profound harmony between nature, human work, and landscape, confirming the spirit of a winery that continues to grow without ever losing its most authentic roots.