Sesti Brunello Grappa NV 0,5l

Sesti’s Grappa di Brunello is the house spirit of Castello di Argiano, on the southern slope of Montalcino: a grape-pomace brandy associated with Brunello, the family’s most important wine, bottled in a half-liter format. Grappa is an Italian geographical indication. It is made by distilling grape pomace, the skins and seeds left after pressing, from grapes harvested and vinified in Italy. The name Brunello indicates pomace from Sangiovese used to produce Brunello di Montalcino: the same grape that makes the appellation’s signature wine. Behind the label is the story of Giuseppe Maria Sesti, an astronomer who grew up in Venice and, in 1975, bought the abandoned village of Argiano and its castle with his wife Sarah, restoring them over the years. Wine came later: Giuseppe learned the trade by helping his neighbors in the vineyards and cellar, and in 1991 planted his own vines around the castle. His daughter Elisa has worked with him since 1999. Today, the estate covers 102 hectares, 13 of them vineyards, along with olive groves, pastures, and woodland. The estate’s philosophy is one of minimal intervention: vineyards farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles, without certification by choice, and work guided by the phases of the moon, which Giuseppe knows as an astronomer. The same care for the raw material also extends to the grape pomace after the harvest. This is a grappa for after dinner and contemplation, bringing a connection to Brunello grapes into the glass. The half-liter format also makes it a fitting gift for anyone who loves Montalcino. In Sesti’s range, it accompanies the estate’s wines and extra virgin olive oil. Serve it in a tulip-shaped glass, on its own or with dark chocolate or dry pastries. In the STELT selection, it’s a way to end a Tuscan dinner while staying in Montalcino.