Brunello di Montalcino is at once great and somewhat fractured—global acclaim from the incredible potential of Sangiovese Grosso in the appellation has fostered land expansion into low elevation areas, and increasingly ranging styles that undermine the language of the land.

While only founded a few years ago, with 2021 being the first year of commercial release, Mike and Ilaria of San Guglielmo firmly count themselves among those humbly working to express their land without agenda.

The young couple farm only 2 hectares of Sangiovese Grosso, surrounded entirely by wooded area, and perhaps most importantly, at an elevation of over 1,000 feet. While some neighbors have commented that they should push for more body and extraction, Mike and Ilaria explain how the medium bodied, tension driven, and pure fruited style of their wine is true to the land. Even so, we find a certain harmony and expansive breadth to the wine when compared to other expressions such as Chianti Classico. This is Brunello as it should be.

Farming is sustainable with a focus on biodiversity. Cellar work is equally simple and reflective of people working to simply minimize mistakes—although Mike spent nearly a decade at another respected Brunello producer, neither him nor Ilaria have a formal winemaking education.

We’re proud to be the sole importer of these wines to the US market; excited to see the evolution and development of how Mike and Ilaria grow with and guide San Guglielmo.