Nothing could illustrate the fascination of Montalcino and of the world of wine more than the story of the Losappio family, producers of excellent red wine in the township but who came to Montalcino from entirely different experiences of life. Massimo Losappio, in fact, was an eminent surgeon in the township hospital and his wife, Marialuce, was a teacher of philosophy. But is is impossible to live in Montalcino and not been fascinate and intrigued by the exceptional Sangiovese-based red wines which the soil and climate enable serious and committed producers to realize. And the desire, at times a truly passionate one, easily grips even those from other professional experiences and life stories. Among them this couple who, in 1980, purchased the lovely villa, once the impressive hunting lodge of the De’Vecchi counts and then the country residence of the bishop of Montalcino.

A vineyard was soon planted next to the villa, and to this two others were acquired in the warm southern part of the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, at Castelnuovo dell’Abate to be precise, Vigna di Velona and Vigna Ramoni. The property planted to vines was finally rounded out with a fourth vineyard, again in the area of the villa for a total vineyard acreage of some 10 acres.

The estate is located in the northwestern part of the township, the altitude is high but the exposure is excellent and the breeziness of this somewhat isolated spot insures grapes of excellent healthiness as well. The fragrance and finesse of the Sangiovese produced here is of notable level. The richer and more alcoholic sytle of Castelnuovo dell’Abate create a blend which is both complex and complete. Both Slavonian oak casks and French tonneaux are utilized for the aging and the watchful eye of winemaker Gioia Cresti has, over the year, given grateful consumers a series of high level wines: 15 thousand annual bottles of Brunello di Montalcino, three thousand of Rosso di Montalcino and, in exceptional vintages, 600 bottles of a special selection dedicated to the founder of the estate: Brunello di Montalcino Massimo.