Argiano

Argiano is an estate in the Tuscan region of Montalcino. It is well-known for its Sangiovese-based red wines under the traditional Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, and more modern red wines under the IGT Toscana designation.

Argiano's history dates back to the construction of the villa, which began in 1581. By the time it was completed in 1596, the estate had started to produce wine. The land and villa changed ownership between various aristocratic families but only flourished as a winery in the 19th Century after it came into the possession of Lady Ersilia Caetani Lovatelli. In 1967, Argiano was a founding member of the Brunello Consortium set up to advance and promote the wine region.

In 2013, the estate was sold to a Brazilian business group, which began to make improvements to the winery and increased land holdings from 50 to 60 hectares (124-150 acres). Argiano makes five wines: the flagship Brunello di Montalcino, a Rosso di Montalcino, and three IGT wines called Suolo, Solengo and Non Confunditur. Suolo, like the Brunello, is 100 percent Sangiovese, but the Solengo and Non Confunditur wines are both Bordeaux blends with a little Syrah, and in the case of the Non Confunditur, Sangiovese. Total production is around 337,000 bottles of which roughly 100,000 are Brunello di Montalcino.

Argiano was one of the producers accused of using non-permissible grapes in their blends as part of the "Brunellogate" scandal in 2009. During the investigation, Argiano declassified its Brunello and sold it with the broader IGT designation in order to stay in the market. Argiano was absolved of all charges after an appeal.