Il Palazzo Archivi — Enoteca di Piazza

Perhaps it was by coincidence or by a curious sign of fate, in 1983, Cosimo Loia bought the estate Palace, which bore the same family name of his wife Antoinette. A picturesque farm located in the south-east of Montalcino at an altitude of 320 meters above sea level, consisting of twelve acres of property. Here, the couple found a plot of Eocene origin, arid and rocky, particularly suited to the cultivation of the vine. Settling in this idyllic spot, so pursued their dream of living in Montalcino and produce one of the world’s best wines, Brunello. Both sons of the earth, being born in Italy to families of peasant origin, Cosimo and Antoinette had in common at a young age a love for agriculture and industry knowledge, the fruit of their experience. However, shortly after they were married, they moved first to England and then to Scotland, where they opened a restaurant. While enjoying a good standard of living in the UK felt strongly the lack of their land and then made them a longing to return to Italy, in this beautiful corner of Tuscany. It was here in 1986, along with their children, began producing wine. In the early years, as the vines were still young, devoted to the production of table wine. Subsequently passed to the Rosso di Montalcino and in 1995, reached the nine years it takes to screw the right time, could finally celebrate the first harvest, which, after a few years of aging, would lead them to the marketing of their first vintage of Brunello.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Il Palazzo winery located and in what part of Montalcino does it produce?

Il Palazzo is located on the southeastern side of Montalcino, at 320 meters of altitude, on dry, stony soil of Eocene origin, rich in galestro layers. The property covers 12 hectares, of which 4 are under vine for Brunello and 3 are olive grove.

Who founded the Il Palazzo winery? Is it a family business?

Yes: in 1983 Cosimo Loia bought the estate, then called Palazzo, together with his wife Antonietta. The family began making table wine in 1986, moving on to Rosso di Montalcino, until the first Brunello vintage was sold in 1995. The 18th-century farmstead has been fully renovated, with a new underground cask cellar for aging.

What approach do they take in the vineyard at Il Palazzo?

The winery practices Integrated Farming, low-impact and using organic fertilizers and pesticides with reduced use of technical inputs. Production, about 13,000 bottles of Brunello a year plus about 2,000 of Riserva in the best vintages, favors quality over quantity.

Can you visit the Il Palazzo winery? Do they offer tastings?

Yes, the visit includes a tour of the vineyards and cellar described by visitors as particularly educational and welcoming, followed by a tasting of seven wines, including Rosso di Montalcino, several Brunello labels, a Supertuscan and two grappas, often paired with traditional Tuscan dishes.