Amerighi Stefano

Biodyna

Organic

Biodynamic

Natural

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Philosophy and Vision

The philosophy of Stefano Amerighi is to produce wines that are a direct reflection of the land, unaltered by artificial techniques or modern shortcuts. From the beginning, Stefano adoptedbiodynamic principles, emphasizing the importance of working in harmony with nature to maintain soil vitality and vineyard health. The estate avoids synthetic chemicals and uses biodynamic preparations, cover crops, and natural composts to nurture the vineyards.

Stefano’s vision is to craft wines with minimal intervention, allowing them to tell their own story and faithfully express their terroir.

Vineyards and Terroir

The Amerighi Stefano estate is located inCortona, a region in Tuscany that has gained recognition for producing high-quality Syrah. The vineyards spanapproximately 8 hectares, carefully selected and planted based on a thorough study of the soils, microclimates, and exposure.

• Soils: A combination of clay, limestone, and sandy deposits, providing structure and minerality to the wines.

• Microclimate: The Mediterranean climate, with warm days and cool nights, ensures ideal ripening conditions for Syrah, resulting in wines with intense aromatics and balanced acidity.

The estate’s meticulous attention to detail includes practices such as hand-harvesting, careful canopy management, and selecting only the best grapes for vinification.

Grape Varieties

Amerighi Stefano focuses primarily onSyrah, the estate’s flagship variety, which thrives in Cortona’s terroir. In addition to Syrah, small quantities of other indigenous and complementary varieties are occasionally cultivated for experimental or blending purposes.

Winemaking Philosophy

Stefano Amerighi’s approach to winemaking is rooted in traditional, artisanal methods. Each step of the process is designed to preserve the integrity of the fruit and showcase the unique characteristics of the vineyard.

• Harvest: Grapes are harvested by hand in small baskets to ensure gentle handling.

• Fermentation: The winery uses natural yeasts, and fermentation occurs in concrete tanks, with foot-treading to gently extract flavors and tannins.

• Aging: Wines are aged in a combination of large oak barrels and cement vats, allowing them to develop complexity while maintaining freshness and balance.

• Minimal Intervention: The use of sulfur is kept to a minimum, and no fining or filtering is performed, resulting in wines that are as natural and expressive as possible.

Wines of Amerighi Stefano

Cortona Syrah DOC

This is the estate’s flagship wine, embodying the purity and elegance of Syrah grown in the Cortona region.

• Characteristics: Aromas of dark berries, black pepper, and violet, with a palate of fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, spicy finish. It is a wine of depth and finesse, capable of aging beautifully over time.

Apical Experimentation and Limited Cuvées

In addition to the Cortona Syrah, Stefano Amerighi occasionally produces small-batch or experimental wines that reflect his curiosity and innovative spirit. These wines often explore different expressions of Syrah or blends with local varieties, emphasizing terroir and craftsmanship.

Sustainability and Biodynamic Practices

Stefano Amerighi’s commitment to biodynamics goes beyond the vineyard. The estate operates as a self-sustaining ecosystem, with an emphasis on biodiversity and natural balance. Animals, such as sheep and chickens, are integrated into the farm to provide natural fertilization and weed control.

The winery itself is designed to minimize energy consumption and environmental impact, reflecting Stefano’s holistic approach to sustainability.

Reputation and Legacy

Amerighi Stefano has gained a devoted following among wine enthusiasts and critics for its artisanal approach and exceptional wines. Stefano’s work has helped establish Cortona as a premier region for Syrah, showcasing the grape’s potential in Tuscany’s unique terroir.

The estate’s wines are celebrated for their elegance, precision, and ability to age gracefully, making them a favorite among those seeking natural, terroir-driven expressions. Stefano Amerighi’s dedication to biodynamic principles and his innovative spirit ensure that the winery remains a beacon of quality and sustainability in Italian winemaking.