Cupano
Cupano was established by Lionel Cousin (a French filmmaker/photographer turned vigneron, with the help and advice of Burgundy journalist Jacky Rigaux and famed Burgundy winemaker Henri Jayer) and his wife Ornella Tondini in 1997, the first vintage released was in 2000. The property is located in the south-western quadrant of Montalcino, near the hamlet of Camigliano. Lionel has always farmed his land following organic and biodynamic practices, and always used Burgundy oak barriques. These are super elegant, classic wines that age beautifully. In a way, they have always reflected Lionel's character: a gentle, elegant countryman. In 2014 Andrea Polidoro, a young and talented winemaker, started working with Lionel first as a consultant, eventually becoming his cellar master in 2016. Andrea has learned from Lionel each and every aspect of vineyard management and winemaking at Cupano, becoming Lionel's right hand. Lionel passed in 2021, leaving the estate in the hands of his wife Ornella and of his protegee Andrea. Cupano's wines continue to be made following Lionel's approach: organic/biodynamic farming, separate harvest/fermentation and aging for each plot, native yeasts, extensive aging in Burgundy oak barrels, no filtration nor fining or clarification, and patient aging in bottle. They continue to be considered amongst the finest and terroir driven wines from this appellation.
Available Wines:
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Rosso di Montalcino DOC
100% organically estate grown Sangiovese. The vineyards rest on mostly clay soils, rich in sand and pebbles. This is a relatively warm part of Montalcino, where the weather is mitigated by the breezes coming from the Mediterranean coast and the presence of the Ombrone river.
Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel, with frequent pumpovers and delestages. Aged in Burgundy barriques for 18 months and aged in bottle for at least months before release. No filtration, clarification or fining.
An elegant, sleek and complex Rosso di Montalcino, crafted for long term aging, but already beautiful in its rich fruit aromas and refined bouquet.
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Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
100% Sangiovese, from estate organically farmed vineyards. The vineyards rest on mostly clay soils, rich in sand and pebbles. This is a relatively warm part of Montalcino, where the weather is mitigated by the breezes coming from the Mediterranean coast and the presence of the Ombrone river.
Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel, with frequent pumpovers and delestages, then aged in Burgundy barriques for at least 3 years (the amount of new oak depends on the vintage), and in bottle for another year. The wine is bottle without any filtration, clarification or fining.
A powerful, refined and complex Brunello, with an incredible aging potential. Offering supple aromas of ripe Marasca cherry and elegant notes of spices, forest floor and tobacco.
One of Cupano oldest vineyards, rich in pebbles
Andrea Polidoro
Andrea performing a pumpover
