Il molino Terramadre
Set in southern Montalcino, Il Molino sits where sea breezes, mountain air, and wild woodland converge, layered over ancient soils that give rise to wines of energy, balance, and quiet complexity.
Dating back to 1877, the estate originally supported the Castello di Argiano and later housed local farming families. It was fully restored in the early 2000s by architect Marco Pignattai, while Jan Hendrik Erbach of Pian dell’Orino planted the first vineyard, bringing a thoughtful, terroir-driven approach.
Since acquiring the property in 2018, Veronica and Ernesto Fragomeni, guided by their friend Matteo Gentili, have taken a mindful, low-intervention approach. Decisions are rooted in observation rather than convention, resulting in vineyards full of life—resilient, balanced, and capable of withstanding late frosts or disease.
The estate’s two Sangiovese parcels tell different geological stories: the 2013 planting, Sinergo, thrives in clay-rich soils with marine fossils, while the 2020 parcel rests on fractured, calcium-bound stones typical of the Ombrone river system, adding structure.
Production is extremely limited, with all fruit sourced exclusively from the estate.
The philosophy, and the energy of Il Molino are inspiring. Every detail—from the vineyards to the cellar—speaks of care, patience, and a deep respect for the land. Being part of this story feels like joining a family, and the sense of potential is palpable. This is just the beginning of something truly extraordinary.
The Wines
Sangiovese and planted in 2013 by Jan Hendrik Erbach of Pian dell’Orino, the Sinergo plot is a 0.96 ha north-west facing parcel at 250 m, open to cooling Tyrrhenian Sea breezes. The soils—clay blended with limestone and marine deposits—impart structure, minerality, and vibrancy to the fruit. Grapes are hand-destemmed and undergo 40 days of maceration in open wooden tanks, followed by 20 months ageing in French demi-muids and a further 30 months in bottle.
The wine displays focus, precision, and clarity of red fruit, with delicate floral and herbaceous notes, a subtle saline minerality, and fine-grained tannins. This is the elegant, refined side of Sangiovese, and for such a young vineyard—and an even younger project—the result is extraordinary. The 2021 vintage is complete and exceptional, one of the finest Tuscany has produced in the last two decades. The balance of freshness and tannic structure forms the backbone of Sinergo, a wine to watch, with all the element to become an icon. it will evolve beautifully with time yet can also be enjoyed on the vibrancy and electricity of the youth.