Eighty hectares planted to vineyards bordered by avenues of ancient maritime pine and olive trees, a portion of what was once the immense Tenimento di Donoratico, a former feudal possession of the Florentine Serristori family.
Italian soils are classified according to multiple soilscapes that act as references for all agricultural assessments. Argentiera Estate comes under “terraced hills on predominantly marly-pelitic formations” and “hill soil areas with substratum consisting mainly of coastal wind sand deposits”.
This plot was planted to vine in 2000, and is the estate’s largest sub-zone. In fact, it has a lot of soil heterogeneity ranging from clay areas with galestro and schist, to more calcareous and stony parts, down to the sandy, lower portions. The peculiarity is in the exposure: the vineyards line a ridge sheltered by the forest that faces the sea to the east. This guarantees a continuous movement of winds coming from the coast, which allows for airiness and an average temperature 2° less than the lower-lying areas.
Just 2 km from the sea, it takes its name from the particular arrangement of the rows, which develop like a fan around the small ridge. 1.2 hectares are planted in Cabernet Franc that benefit from the nature of calcareous soils, thus producing powerful but fresh wines with a marked acidity.
This plot is home to our vineyards, and has a northern exposure. The lower areas are characterized by sandy soils while climbing towards the top of the hill, the soils become very stony and deep with an excellent ability to produce quality grapes.
Just 1 km from the sea, this plot is located in a flatter area; a terroir that greatly benefits from the proximity to the sea. The soil is predominantly sandy, thus it maintains heat and is well ventilated with a great capacity for drainage.