San Polo
Where Marilisa Allegrini's Vision Meets the Timeless Soul of Montalcino
Nestled among the rolling hills of Montalcino, where ancient stone villages overlook a landscape of vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-lined ridges, San Polo represents the meeting of two remarkable stories: the timeless heritage of one of Italy's most celebrated wine regions and the visionary ambition of Marilisa Allegrini, one of the most influential figures in modern Italian wine. Acquired in 2007 as part of her commitment to showcasing Italy's greatest terroirs, San Polo embodies a philosophy that places respect for place, sustainable viticulture, and meticulous craftsmanship at the heart of every bottle.
Long before establishing San Polo, Marilisa Allegrini had already become one of Italy's most respected wine personalities. Known internationally as "Lady Amarone," she played a pivotal role in introducing the wines of Valpolicella to the world, earning widespread recognition for her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. Her vision soon extended beyond Veneto, leading to the creation of Poggio al Tesoro in Bolgheri and, shortly thereafter, the acquisition of San Polo in Montalcino. Together with the historic Villa Della Torre, the Renaissance masterpiece that serves as the headquarters of the Marilisa Allegrini Group, these estates reflect a lifelong pursuit of Italy's most exceptional wine landscapes. In 2017, her influence was further recognized when she became the first Italian woman to appear on the cover of Wine Spectator, a milestone that underscored her lasting contribution to the international wine world.
Situated in the prestigious Podernovi area on the southeastern slopes of Montalcino, San Polo encompasses 22 hectares, with 16 hectares under vine, including some of the estate's finest parcels dedicated to Brunello di Montalcino. Here, Sangiovese thrives in a unique combination of altitude, well-drained soils, and abundant sunshine, producing wines celebrated for their purity, elegance, and remarkable ageing potential. Since 2015, under the guidance of winemaker Riccardo Fratton, the estate has embraced a detailed parcel-by-parcel approach to viticulture, allowing each vineyard to reveal its own distinctive personality. Rather than seeking uniformity, every plot is cultivated and vinified according to its individual characteristics, highlighting the remarkable diversity that exists within the estate itself.
San Polo's commitment to sustainability extends well beyond the vineyard. The winery is a striking example of modern eco-architecture, thoughtfully designed to minimize energy consumption and reduce its environmental footprint while providing ideal conditions for gentle, precision winemaking. Every stage of production reflects a philosophy of careful intervention, allowing the finesse, fragrance, and complexity of Sangiovese to emerge naturally. This balance between technological innovation and artisanal craftsmanship defines the estate's approach, preserving the integrity of both fruit and terroir.
The resulting collection of wines—from the vibrant Rubio Toscana IGT and Rosso di Montalcino to the estate's elegant Brunello di Montalcino, Brunello Riserva, and distinctive single-vineyard expressions—captures the many dimensions of Montalcino's extraordinary landscape. Each bottling reflects not only the character of its vineyard but also San Polo's unwavering commitment to precision, authenticity, and the pursuit of excellence.
Today, San Polo stands among the leading estates of Montalcino, where visionary leadership, sustainable innovation, and profound respect for terroir converge. It is a winery that looks confidently toward the future while remaining deeply connected to the traditions that have made Brunello di Montalcino one of the world's most revered wines. Every bottle is a testament to Marilisa Allegrini's enduring belief that the greatest wines are born where exceptional places are understood, protected, and allowed to speak for themselves.
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