Tenuta di Sesta
In the Carta Aretina document of 714, Pieve di Sesta was counted among the parishes in the Diocese of Chiusi. It was then the subject of dispute between the Bishops of Siena and Arezzo in the following centuries. It is not known how long this Parish remained in operation, but it is likely that it ended shortly after the Abbey of Sant’ Antimo was founded at the end of the VIII century in the nearby Starcia Valley and its ensuing rapid expansion. All the land on the Sesta property surely became part of the holdings of the Abbey. The Sesta Estate was formed after the expansion of the Republic of Siena and the decline and subsequent suppression of the Abbey of Sant’Antimo in 1462 at the hands of Pope Pious II (Enea Silvio Piccolomini from Siena). During the period of Siennese expansion, Sesta came into the possession of the noble Tolomei family who built a chapel in honour of Saint Catherine of Siena. In 1850, two brothers from Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Felice and Giovanni Ciacci became owners of the property. In 1966, the first bottles of Brunello from the Tenuta di Sesta Estate were produced by Giuseppe Ciacci, father of current owner Giovanni Ciacci. At the time, there were only twelve bottlers and, for this reason, the Tenuta di Sesta Estate is recognized as one of the historical estates in the territory of Montalcino.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Tenuta di Sesta winery located and in what part of Montalcino does it produce?
Tenuta di Sesta is located south of Montalcino, between Sant'Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell'Abate, near the famous Romanesque Abbey of Sant'Antimo. The property, about 200 hectares of which 30 are under vine, sits in an area with an extremely long history: the Pieve di Sesta is already documented in the Carta Aretina in 714, and the territory later belonged to the Abbey of Sant'Antimo before passing, with the expansion of the Republic of Siena, into the hands of the noble Tolomei family.
Who founded the Tenuta di Sesta winery? Is it a family business?
Yes: the property passed in 1850 to the brothers Felice and Giovanni Ciacci of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, and remains in the same family's hands today. The first bottles of Brunello were produced in 1966 by Giuseppe Ciacci, father of the current owner Giovanni: at the time there were only 12 Brunello bottlers in Montalcino, making Tenuta di Sesta one of the appellation's historic wineries. Today Giovanni is joined by his children Andrea and Francesca.
What wines does Tenuta di Sesta produce? What is its main wine?
The main wine is Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, alongside the Riserva Duelecci Ovest and other selections such as Costa di Monte, from the estate's highest vineyard, and Camponovo. Production reflects the Ciacci family's historic, traditional approach, with particular focus on the southern part of Montalcino, considered among the most highly regarded areas for producing Brunello with character.
Has the Tenuta di Sesta winery received major awards?
Yes: the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 scored 94 points from Falstaff in 2020, while the 2018 vintage received 95+ points from Luca Gardini. The Riserva Duelecci Ovest 2015 received 95 points and a gold medal. These accolades confirm the consistent quality of a winery that, despite being one of Montalcino's oldest, continues to be highly regarded by contemporary wine critics.
Can you visit the Tenuta di Sesta winery? Do they offer tastings?
Yes, the Ciacci family personally welcomes visitors for cellar visits and tastings, often paired with local traditional dishes. As a historic, family-run winery, the visit experience is designed for direct contact with the people who make the wine. For up-to-date hours and booking details, it is best to contact the winery directly.
Showing all 4 results
