The CRU Vineyard Blocks of Tenuta di Arceno
In 1996, the vineyard team conducted a detailed study of the soil, topography and climate to gain a complete understanding of the complexities of the land. These details, along with a more detailed understanding of the diversity of soils, guided decisions around where to plant new vines and varieties. Tight vine spacing, low yields and modern winemaking methods - with an understanding of Italian tradition - results in wines that are rich, pure, regionally specific and highly expressive.
Tenuta di Arceno consists of 92 hectares (220 acres) of vineyards planted to 63 different vineyard blocks. Vine density exceeds 2,000 vines per acre and average yields are around 3 tons per acre.
To explore the individual vineyards, click the vineyard names on the map.
La Porta
Strada al Sasso is sourced exclusively from the La Porta vineyard, soils 38% sandstone, 32% limestone, 30% loam, galestro. La Porta means “the door” or “the opening.” The vineyard sits directly in the front of the walled town of San Gusmè, offering the most spectacular view as you drive up to town. The vines were replanted at an altitude of 420-450 meters (1400-1450 feet) above sea level between 1998 and 2001 with 9 different clones of Sangiovese including some Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello) on 5 different rootstocks.
Belvedere
This is a sand rich vineyard, almost 75% sand, the remaining 15% limestone and 10% loam, with layers of sandstone rocks and galestro. The soil pH is neutral (neither acid, nor basic or alkaline). “Belvedere” is Italian for “nice view” and indeed the altitude of 500 meters (1640 feet) above sea level grants a magnificent view over the whole estate. On clear days, you can distinctively spot the famous towers Torre del Mangia and il Campanile della Basilica of the nearby town of Siena, as well as the towns of Montepulciano and Rocca d’Orcia.
San Donato
This vineyard lies just above the Belvedere vineyard and stretches from 460-500 meters (1500-1640 feet) above sea level. The vineyard is almost entirely dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, and predominantly is used for the Chianti Classico Riserva. Planted in 1996 along with a small block in 2006 of Cabernet Franc. The soil is comprised 80% of sand covering the underlying sandstone, some threads of galestro can also be found.
Il Fauno
The vineyard is mostly sandy with some fair amounts of limestone and very rich in minerals and shist, specially galestro and alberese. Planted in 2008 with different Sangiovese clones at an altitude of 380-400 meters (1250 to 1300 feet) above sea level. The name of the vineyard is reminiscent of the iconic ancient terracotta statue of a faun that has survived many vicissitudes. This mythological creature, half human half goat, is not just a chimaera, but symbolizes the unison of two different worlds into a new entity, where human and animal coexist, tradition and innovation flourish, old and new find their present.
Valadorna
At 340 meters (1115 feet) above sea level, the lowest point of the estate, where the Ombrone river is just a sparkling brook, lies the vineyard Valadorna, with the uninhabited Valadorna farmhouse protecting it, reminding this was probably once a welcome refuge for the tired travelers and their horses. The soil is loamy limestone and has deep reaching sources of iron and other minerals. Merlot thrives here spectacularly well.
Colombaio
This Merlot vineyard was also one of the first vineyards to be planted, in 1996. The soil is mostly loamy sand with a low acidity (pH 6) and some presence of sandstone. Elevation is 380 meters (1250 feet) above sea level and the Merlot grown here is typically used for the Chianti Classico Annata or il fauno di Arcanum.
L’Apparita
Slightly above the entrance tunnel to the estate lies at 400 meters (1300 feet) above sea level the vineyard l’Apparita. Planted in 1998 it is one of the first vineyards dedicated to Cabernet Franc that has always contributed to the blend of our flagship wine Arcanum. The consistent quality achieved with both Cabernet Franc clones that exist here have made them the favorite choice for our new plantings of this varietal.
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La Porta
Strada al Sasso is sourced exclusively from the La Porta vineyard, soils 38% sandstone, 32% limestone, 30% loam, galestro. La Porta means “the door” or “the opening.” The vineyard sits directly in the front of the walled town of San Gusmè, offering the most spectacular view as you drive up to town. The vines were replanted at an altitude of 420-450 meters (1400-1450 feet) above sea level between 1998 and 2001 with 9 different clones of Sangiovese including some Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello) on 5 different rootstocks.
Belvedere
This is a sand rich vineyard, almost 75% sand, the remaining 15% limestone and 10% loam, with layers of sandstone rocks and galestro. The soil pH is neutral (neither acid, nor basic or alkaline). “Belvedere” is Italian for “nice view” and indeed the altitude of 500 meters (1640 feet) above sea level grants a magnificent view over the whole estate. On clear days, you can distinctively spot the famous towers Torre del Mangia and il Campanile della Basilica of the nearby town of Siena, as well as the towns of Montepulciano and Rocca d’Orcia.
San Donato
This vineyard lies just above the Belvedere vineyard and stretches from 460-500 meters (1500-1640 feet) above sea level. The vineyard is almost entirely dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, and predominantly is used for the Chianti Classico Riserva. Planted in 1996 along with a small block in 2006 of Cabernet Franc. The soil is comprised 80% of sand covering the underlying sandstone, some threads of galestro can also be found.
Il Fauno
The vineyard is mostly sandy with some fair amounts of limestone and very rich in minerals and shist, specially galestro and alberese. Planted in 2008 with different Sangiovese clones at an altitude of 380-400 meters (1250 to 1300 feet) above sea level. The name of the vineyard is reminiscent of the iconic ancient terracotta statue of a faun that has survived many vicissitudes. This mythological creature, half human half goat, is not just a chimaera, but symbolizes the unison of two different worlds into a new entity, where human and animal coexist, tradition and innovation flourish, old and new find their present.
Valadorna
At 340 meters (1115 feet) above sea level, the lowest point of the estate, where the Ombrone river is just a sparkling brook, lies the vineyard Valadorna, with the uninhabited Valadorna farmhouse protecting it, reminding this was probably once a welcome refuge for the tired travelers and their horses. The soil is loamy limestone and has deep reaching sources of iron and other minerals. Merlot thrives here spectacularly well.
Colombaio
This Merlot vineyard was also one of the first vineyards to be planted, in 1996. The soil is mostly loamy sand with a low acidity (pH 6) and some presence of sandstone. Elevation is 380 meters (1250 feet) above sea level and the Merlot grown here is typically used for the Chianti Classico Annata or il fauno di Arcanum.
L’Apparita
Slightly above the entrance tunnel to the estate lies at 400 meters (1300 feet) above sea level the vineyard l’Apparita. Planted in 1998 it is one of the first vineyards dedicated to Cabernet Franc that has always contributed to the blend of our flagship wine Arcanum. The consistent quality achieved with both Cabernet Franc clones that exist here have made them the favorite choice for our new plantings of this varietal.