The vineyards of Fattoria del Cerro surround the village of Acquaviva, 250-400 metres above sea level, between the Valdichiana and Val d'Orcia. The hillside, once dotted with oak trees, now offers a mosaic of exposures that allow for parcel-by-parcel harvesting in mid-September. An old local saying recalls “the stones that nourish”, because the stones that are warm during the day release coolness at night, promoting fine tannins and clear aromas. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was among the first wines to obtain DOCG status in 1980. The regulations require at least 70% Sangiovese, known here as Prugnolo Gentile, and a minimum ageing period of two years, including 12 months in wood. Silìneo exceeds these requirements with 18 months in oak before bottling. Specifically, Silìneo is made almost exclusively from hand-selected Prugnolo Gentile grapes. In the cellar, fermentation begins in steel tanks, with daily pumping over and délestage to extract colour and structure. After racking, the wine matures in oak barrels and tonneaux, before completing its ageing in the bottle before release. It has a bright ruby colour with good concentration. The nose is dominated by black cherry, black cherry and sweet violet, with hints of vanilla and sweet spices. The palate is full and balanced, with evident but smooth tannins, lively freshness and a long finish with hints of liquorice and cocoa. Thanks to the natural acidity of Prugnolo Gentile and ageing in oak, Silìneo can evolve serenely for 8-10 years, acquiring notes of tobacco, leather and undergrowth without losing its momentum. Ideal with pici pasta with Chianina ragù, roast red meats, Florentine steak or stewed wild boar. Also excellent with medium-aged Pecorino di Pienza.