La Porta di Vertine’s history begins in 2006 when Dan and Ellen Lugosch acquire the near perfect amphitheatre shaped vineyard in Vertine, a tiny ancient hamlet in the Chianti Classico area of Gaiole. The proprietors’ and winemaker’s main interests are to explore the characteristics of Sangiovese by selecting vineyards and soils to exhault and reflect the complexity and longevity of the variety.
Together with Giacomo Mastretta, La Porta di Vertine’s director and oenologist, and agronomist Dr Ruggero Mazzili under whose guidance the estate’s vineyards have all been organically converted, a philosophy of “less is more” is being applied throughout the vineyard and cellar, the central premise being that great wine comes from a vineyard where you have to do as little as possible.
Giulio Gambelli, Sangiovese’s legendary advocate, who during the last 50 years has always maintained a staunch belief in the variety’s greatness. La Porta di Vertine was fortunate to have him as our oenological consultant for the first two vintages 2006 & 2007.