Uccelliera is the name of an old homestead laid on the hillslope of Castelnuovo dell’ Abate overlooking the ancient volcano of Mount Amiata, 10 Km south-east of Montalcino. Some Middle Age documents report of the existence of this place, called Uccelliera (aviary), near S. Antimo Abbey and the alabaster quarries, attributing the origin of its name to the use of raptors for hunting purpose. The natural barrier offered by the height of Mount Amiata in the south-east side and of Poggio d’ Arna in the south-west, as well as the Orcia river and the marine breeze rising from its valley give this place a unique microclimate, particularly well-suited to viticulture since remote times.
Today, it consists of olive groves with some century old trees and 10 Ha of vineyards, almost entirely dedicated to Sangiovese, whose parcels are spread over the slope of Castelnuovo dell’ Abate from its highest (1150 ft asl) to its lowest elevation (492 ft asl) taking advantage of different microclimate conditions and soil types. Voliero, that also translates as aviary, is a later project started in 2006 to give expression to grapes grown under different conditions in the area of S. Angelo in Colle; roughly 3 Ha, 10 Km south of Montalcino at an elevation of approx. 1400 ft asl.
By means of Uccelliera and Voliero, vigneron Andrea Cortonesi treasures and represents the profound interaction among territory, grape-variety and passion through its wines and extra virgin olive oil. The agronomic practices follow the principles of a sustainable agriculture and are guided by nature, so that crops manifest the character of each diverse growing season. In the cellar, the vinification and refinement accompany the wines in their evolution in the pursuit of their greatest expression.
