Cellar Profile
Established in 1984, Salcheto is the creation of viticulturist and winemaker, Michele Manelli. Michele’s genuine passion for refined and delicate wines has propelled this tiny estate into one of Montepulciano’s top producers. His mission is simple and clear: seek quality, both in the vineyard and the cellar, with an unfailing respect for the character of the grapes. Manual collections, sulfite-free vinifications, native yeasts, "Tuscan Governo" method and large botte and tonneaux barrels are the tools used to produce wines that are elegant and soft, with pronounced aromas and uniqueness for each vintage released. Though lesser known than Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile offers incredible value and an earlier drinking window for Tuscan wine lovers. Geographically situated between its more famous neighbours, Vino Nobile’s style takes the best from each—bright and supple, concentrated and powerful. Salcheto is an ‘off the grid’ winery operating one of the wine world’s only energy-independent cellar systems. Along with countless other environmental initiatives, this led to Salcheto being named Gambero Rosso’s Sustainable Winery of the Year in 2014. Their 50 hectares of organically- and biodynamically-farmed vines are planted with Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese), Canaiolo, Mammolo, Colorino, Merlot and Trebbiano. Their ‘Obvius’ lineup offers a clean, modern style of natural wines made from, as Michele puts it, ‘grapes only’.
Region
San Gimignano is a prestigious wine-growing enclave in the heart of Tuscany, celebrated for its unique ability to produce high-quality white wine in a region otherwise dominated by reds. Located north of Siena, the area is defined by its rolling hills and the iconic medieval skyline of San Gimignano, often called the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" due to its surviving stone towers. The region's most famous output is Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a crisp white wine with a history dating back to at least 1276. The grapes thrive in soils of Pliocene origin (dating back 6.8–1.8 million years), composed of yellow sand (known locally as tuffs or tufo) and clay, which often contain marine fossils and provide the wine with a distinct mineral, saline quality.
Vineyard
Made in collaboration with Casa Lucii under the Cuore Nobile famers' network – a collective of like-minded growers who believe in quality and certified corporate sustainability. Casa Lucii is a historic family-run organic winery and farm located in the hills of San Gimignano, Tuscany, approximately halfway between Florence and Siena. Grapes are grown at elevation (300-320 masl) on Pliocene-era soils. The 2024 season experienced extreme summer heat, which resulted in grapes that produced wines characterized by high freshness, balance and slightly less body than average.
Winemaking
This is the first vintage of this specific label for Salcheto. Aged for four months in concrete, followed by 3 months of bottle refinement to preserve the grape's natural brightness.
Tasting Notes
This is a pure expression of the variety: fresh, elegant and balanced. Fruity (peach, citrus), floral and mineral (flint), with notes of honey and ginger. Dry, savoury and well-balanced, with a subtle bitter almond finish, the hallmark of the San Gimignano style. Slightly less full-bodied than typical years due to extreme summer heat, which led the plants to limit fruit ripening while maintaining high acidity. Pairs excellently with Mediterranean and Tuscan staples such as grilled fish, spaghetti with clams, pappardelle with fresh pecorino cheese or light spring vegetables.
Varieties
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a white grape variety primarily grown in the San Gimignano region of Tuscany. It is known for producing one of Italy’s most prestigious white wines, with a history dating back to at least 1276. It was the first Italian wine to receive DOC status in 1966 and is the only white wine in Tuscany granted DOCG status (1993). It is a vigorous, relatively hardy and productive vine.