Overview Estate Owned by: Alessandro Cellai Wine Region: Toscana Winemaker: Alessandro Cellai Total Acreage Under Vine: 8 Estate Founded: 2000 Winery Production: 6,500 Bottle

The Podere Monastero estate is situated in Castellina in Chianti, in the heart of Tuscany. The vineyards occupy an area of 8 acres, 4 of which are used for the cultivation of Pinot Nero, while the remaining 4 are cultivated with Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot (50%). The choice of the clones and rootstocks, was critical to the winery, which required extensive research, carried out by the most prestigious nurseries in France. The challenge was to produce an excellent wine in a land famous for other grape varieties but not for this particular variety - Pinot Nero. Location

History Established in 2000 by oenologist Alessandro Cellai, Monastero was created with the sole aim of making two great wines: La Pineta and Campanaio. Konrad Winzer, a contemporary sculptor and friend of the estate, lent his artistic talents to creating the unique labels for these wines.

Philosophy Every single operation is approached with meticulous attention, from vineyard to cellar. La Pineta (100% Pinot Nero) is created with this philosophy; each vine is tended right from pruning, initiating creation of a superb product. Campanaio (50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon), is the result of meticulous attention, beginning with the choice of rootings. These two wines do their utmost to fully enhance the particular characteristics of the grape varieties of origin without disguising the positive aspects of the local terroir.

Owner / Winemaker Alessandro Cellai Born in Siena 1989: received a diploma in Agricultural Science, with a concentration in Enology and Viticulture, from the Bettino Ricasoli Institute of Siena. 1992: graduated from the University of Siena with a concentration in Nuclear Chemistry : served as Technical and Managing Director at Rocca delle Macie winery in Castellina in Chianti. 1997: started a collaboration with Castellare di Castellina. Today: General Manager and is responsible for both winemaking (with the assistance of consulting enologist Maurizio Castelli) and sales management.

Campanaio Toscana IGT 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot Campanaio is the result of scrupulous attention starting with the selection of the plants themselves. Intense aromas of blackcurrant, plums, tobacco. Rich and broad on the palate, this wine shows structural harmony which persists well into the finish. Makes a great companion to many foods from balsamic-grilled vegetables to roast tenderloin laced with hoisin sauce.

La Pineta Pinot Nero Toscana IGT 100% Pinot Nero Shows delicious notes of bright berry fruit, spice, and a hint of forest floor. On the palate it is well-rounded and accessible, with juicy fruit and delicate structural balance. This food-friendly red would make a superb pairing to roast duck, game hens with cranberry stuffing, or chicken fajitas.