Cupano
French-inspired precision in the heart of Montalcino’s most mineral terroir.
- Hectares / Altitude: 16 acres / 900 feet above sea level
- Grape varieties: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- Established: 1997
- Region: Italy, Tuscany
- Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Rosso di Montalcino DOC
Perched on a stony hill above the Ombrone River, Cupano enjoys excellent drainage, high mineral content, and sweeping views of the surrounding valley. The estate spans 86 acres, including 16 acres of vineyards, 5 acres of olive trees, 45 acres of woodland, and 20 acres of arable land. The vineyards are situated roughly 900 feet above sea level, benefiting from a temperate climate moderated by Mediterranean breezes, just 30 km from the sea.
Founded with the first vintage in 2000, Cupano was designed for age-worthy wines in a French-inspired style, emphasizing elegance, evolution, and complexity. The terroir, composed of sandy clay with a substructure of cobblestones, is considered one of the most distinctive in Montalcino.
Winemaker Lionel, born in Cognac and trained in Burgundy, applies the principles learned under Jacky Rigaux and inspired by Henri Jayer: limited vineyard hectares, meticulous care of the vines, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and minimal intervention in the cellar—no filtration, no fining. This approach ensures wines that fully express the unique terroir and character of Cupano.