Filippo Fanti is the owner of this small Tuscan estate located in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, an iconic village outside Montalcino. Filippo is also president of the Consortium of Brunello di Montalcino, the organization that regulates all wine production in this zone. The whole Fanti-San Filippo estate consists of 750 acres of land, 35 of which are vineyards. These vineyards extend across an amphitheater of south-facing hills at an altitude of 1,200 to 1,450 feet above sea level. The soil is rocky, with layers of calcium-rich marls. The climate is distinctive with hot, sunny days and notably cooler nights due in part to the topography of the hillsides where the vineyards are located. Temperatures are moderated by fresh breezes from nearby Mount Amiata. Vineyard rows run from north to south so that the leaves and grape bunches can take maximum advantage of the sunlight. Wine and olive oil have always been produced here, but the decision to begin bottling these products under the Fanti label was made only in the mid 1980’s. This has led the winery to completely modify its operating procedures and restructure its cellars, as it dedicates itself with an entirely new spirit. Quality-oriented winemaking is led by consulting enologist and agronomist, Stefano Chioccioli, who is involved in all decisions made at Fanti. Together, he and Filippo are creating “best of class” wines that exhibit the character of this particular area of the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG production zone.