Vineyards Magazine

CONNESSO is the new 100% Sangiovese from Arillo in Terrabianca.

It is born at Colle Brezza, in the Val d’Orcia, and makes its debut with the 2022 vintage in just 1,900 bottles, exclusively numbered Magnums. Its name tells the story of a profound connection: between what was, what is and what will be. Between the ancient sea and the land of today, geological memory and the life of the vineyard, nature and human endeavour.

The memory of the sea, preserved in the earth

Millions of years ago, these hills were covered by the sea. Today, they are vineyards. During a walk through the rows of vines at Colle Brezza, a large fossil shell, perfectly intact in its form, emerged from the soil: tangible evidence of that distant past still preserved in the soils of the Val d’Orcia. From this discovery comes the story of CONNESSO: a wine that connects past and present, nature and time, territory and people. The natural ridges of the shell have also become the graphic motif of the label: a kind of map of time, made up of layers, curves and pathways, transferring onto the bottle the memory of the land from which the wine originates.

Colle Brezza: a microcosm in balance

CONNESSO is born at Colle Brezza, the third vertex of Arillo in Terrabianca’s “Tuscan Theorem”.

The estate’s symbol derives from an ancient sign carved into local stone: four quadrants converging towards a centre which, in its contemporary reinterpretation, evoke the four elements — earth, air, fire and water — and their balance.

“It is not simply about producing wine in different places, but about interpreting each territory as an autonomous expression of identity, energy and landscape culture while, at the same time, doing so through a single vision. Radda in Chianti, Maremma and Val d’Orcia represent three complementary souls of a project founded on rigour, elegance and essentiality,” explains Adriana Burkard, who, together with her husband Urs, created the Arillo in Terrabianca project.

Two parcels, two exposures

CONNESSO takes shape from two parcels situated at 450 metres above sea level: one facing east, the other south. The vines sink their roots into clay-loam soils rich in fossils, evidence of the ancient sea that covered these lands millions of years ago. Constant winds, significant temperature variations, soils rich in microbial life and widespread biodiversity throughout the vineyard help define the ecosystem of Colle Brezza, where viticulture follows the principles of biodynamics.

“Across our estates, and particularly at Colle Brezza, we pay great attention to biodiversity, soil vitality and respect for ecosystems,” says Adriana Burkard. “Our philosophy is simple: give respect to receive excellence.”

Harvest and winemaking

The 2022 harvest took place on a single day, 23 September, at the end of a season characterised by limited rainfall and marked temperature variations between day and night.

“It was a regular vintage,” recalls winemaker Vieri Vannoni. “Rainfall was scarce, but the vines responded well, also thanks to very careful soil management, with the ground always covered by vegetation and green manure. The grapes reached maturity gradually, supported by the temperature variations typical of the area.”

Following vinification in stainless steel, CONNESSO matured for 24 months in 30-hl French oak casks, an ageing process designed to accompany its evolution while preserving its freshness and identity. In the glass, it reveals a Sangiovese with a vertical structure, silky tannins and a complex texture. Ripe red fruit meets notes of black pepper, sweet spices and delicate balsamic nuances. On the palate, freshness and savouriness accompany ripe, well-integrated tannins, leading to a long and persistent finish.

Only Magnum: time as part of the wine

The decision to produce CONNESSO exclusively in numbered Magnums is an integral part of the project. A format that allows the wine to evolve more slowly while, at the same time, naturally encouraging sharing. CONNESSO is thus conceived as a wine made for time and for people: not to be rushed, but to endure and to be shared. In an increasingly interactive world, CONNESSO brings connection back to its most authentic dimension: the land, time, the rhythms of nature and the people with whom we share a table.

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Arillo in Terrabianca is a winery that brings together culture, innovation and a profound respect for the land. The estate extends across three Tuscan territories of outstanding winemaking vocation – Chianti Classico, Maremma and Val d’Orcia – which together form the “Tuscan Theorem”, a synthesis of three distinct identities interpreted through a shared vision. “Only by respecting ourselves and the environment can we create authentic products and bring to life visions capable of enduring over time,” say owners Adriana and Urs Burkard. This philosophy guides every decision made by the winery and will find a new expression in 2027 with the opening of its flagship winery designed by Mario Botta, complemented by a dedicated dining space, an art gallery and an experiential hospitality project. A place conceived to bring visitors closer to the culture of wine and to the landscape from which it originates.