Volcanic Wines of Mount Amiata - Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG

Driving along the Orcia River Valley just south of Siena, the rolling hills lined with cypress trees depict picturesque scenes of Tuscany. This is Sangiovese territory at its best. On one side of the river, you will find Montalcino, home to the renowned Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. and on the other side, Orcia D.O.C. We have spent time in both regions visiting producers and tasting exceptional Sangiovese wines.

The nearby Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG is the third red wine powerhouse straddling this river on its eastern side, that focuses primarily on this variety. Both Montecucco DOC and the smaller Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG are located in the easternmost section of the Grosseto province near Mount Amiata, an extinct volcano that dominates the skyline in this area of Southern Tuscany. Here, wines are influenced by the volcanic soils and the winery we visited in this region is a good example of the terroir. We knew we were in for something special when Massimo Casagrande, Technical Director and CEO at Rocca di Frassinello in the Maremma told us this was one of his favorite wineries in the Montecucco DOCG.

Mount Amiata (photo: Wikimedia)

Amiata I Vini del Vulcano– Vineyards Under the Volcano

Located on the slopes of Mount Amiata at 450- 650 meters above sea level, Amiata I Vini del Vulcano produces powerhouse 100% Sangiovese made for long aging. Winery owner, Simon Toninelli, was born and raised in Amiata. He left a career in law to become a winemaker. Simone runs the small estate with his wife, Stefania, whose cousin is the enologist. Simone refers to his wines as “Super Vulcan,” reflecting their organoleptic qualities shaped by the mineral trace elements formed by lava flows over the millennia. This area has also been called “the Golden Valley” due to its ideal growing location.

Simon Toninelli, Owner, Amiata I Vini del Vulcano

This winery produces three wines, and each has a volcanic name: Lapillo (eruption, “little fire”), Lavico (from lava), Cenere (ash).

Lapillo 2023, IGT Toscana. 100% Sangiovese, 12 days maceration. Aged 18-20 months in stainless steel, no oak. This lush fruit-driven wine has notes of cherry, blackberry and violets with a persistent finish.

Lavico 2019, Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG 100% Sangiovese aged at least 36 months in barrique and at least one year in bottle prior to release. This silky wine delivers an aromatic bouquet of violets, raspberry, blackberry, cherry and spice with good structure and long aging.

Cenere 2016, Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva DOCG 100% Sangiovese aged at least 60 months in barrique and 2 years in bottle. Blackberry, currant, anise, leather and balsamic notes. Elegant and balanced.

Amiata I Vini del Vulcano only produces 12,000 bottles annually which are sold in Italy and other parts of Europe. Simone and Stefania (also a papier mache artist) welcome visitors to their art-filled tasting room in Castel del Piano (Grosseto) which offers sweeping views of the valley. You will likely see birds fly right by the window. Visits are by appointment and will include tasting of the wines with salumi, cheeses, and their homemade extra virgin olive oil. The wines, oil, and Stefania’s art can be purchased at their small gift nook.