Avignonesi

Avignonesi believes that the life force of the earth and the uniqueness of their terroir are at the heart of our brand. Avignonesi is reborn from the soil of their vineyards with each vintage in wines that mirror the subtle flavors of the site and the special traits of each year. Avignonedi's wines express the richness and beauty of the Montepulciano territory.

Products People Awards Philosophy Production Terroir History Contacts

Avignonesi

Products

Avignonesi continuously renews its commitment to excellence and quality, focusing its efforts on producing Nobile made of 100% purebred Sangiovese, fruit of what each plot is able to gift, and distinctive, genuine wines, that fully express the special traits of every single vintage and the richness of the Montepulciano environment. Under Virginie’s guidance, through the support of state of the art technology and of a young, international team of agronomists and winemakers, Avignonesi has developed a production philosophy based on balance, finesse and brightness of fruit.

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People

Avignonesi’s people represent one of the most precious assets. To apply biodynamics and respectfully accompany the grapes from soil to bottle, it is important to make every single worker aware of their actions, of the importance of their gestures.This is the reason why Avignonesi chooses to mainly rely on trained, local workforce and just rarely to employ contract workers. They are also OHSAS certified, an international standard which provides a framework to identify, control and decrease the risks associated with health and safety within the workplace.

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Awards

Avignonesi has received several prestigious awards, both at international and national level. To mention one among many, the 100 points on Avignonesi’s world-renowned Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice 2001, given by The Wine Advocate. All the most recognized experts of wines have appreciated Avignonesi’s work: James Suckling, The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Decanter, Gambero Rosso and many others have wonderfully rated many of the wines, contributing to distinguish Avignonesi as an outstanding producer of Tuscan wines.

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Philosophy

Nature can be capricious but is never ungrateful. Contrary to many, Avignonesi dares not to tamper with nature. Like any respectable winery, Avignonesi seeks for excellence and quality, however, with the fierce conviction that this can only be achieved by respecting nature. Virginie and her team believe sincerely that no great wine can be made by cheating nature. Avignonesi endeavours to animate its soils, its plants, its workers, its biodiversity, its patrons and ultimately our planet. In so doing it rejects chemical viticulture and limits the interventions in the cellar to the bare minimum. Avignonesi claims to be a modern winery run by a young international team (biodiversity shall not be limited to our vineyards) with one and only concern: deliver within our framework the best possible wine in function of climate, soils, grape varieties and our style in every vintage.

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Production

Today, Avignonesi owns 169 hectares (418 acres) of vineyards spread over the Montepulciano and Cortona appellations. All of its wines come from 100% estate grown grapes and since spring of 2016 it is a certified organic winery. We are in the process of obtaining biodynamic certification as well, with the association Biodyvin. Besides viticulture, Avignonesi currently cultivates ancient grains, has a synergistic vegetable garden and produces extra virgin olive oil, all of which are farmed with biodynamic methods and preparations. Just recently it has also introduced pile composting and beekeeping as well. This holistic and regenerative sustainable farming system focuses on the health of the soil, the integration of local flora and fauna, and biodiversity.

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Terroir

Avignonesi owns nine different estates. One is located in the township of Cortona, where the winery has always cultivated international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, mainly devoted to Avignonesi’s Toscana IGT wines. Eight estates are in Montepulciano area, where the king of the grapes is undoubtedly the Sangiovese, employed for the production of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Rosso di Montepulciano DOC. Here, vineyards of Trebbiano and Malvasia are located as well, sourcing the fruit for the world-renowned Vin Santo and Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice.

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History

Conceived in 1974 and named after a member of the founding family, Avignonesi was acquired in 2009 by Virginie Saverys, who has worked tirelessly since then to convert the entire property to organic and biodynamic viticulture.

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