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Uncorked: Bernardino Sani, Tenuta di Argiano

Tenuta di Argiano, the historic Montalcino estate first built in 16th century, is also one of the largest producers of Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino in the famous Italian wine region. Spanning across an area of around 125 hectares, occupied by vineyards, olive groves and woods, the estate makes five different wines – the flagship Brunello, Rosso di Montalcino, ‘Suolo’, a 100% Sangiovese made from its oldest vines, ‘Solengo’ and ‘Non Confunditur,’ two reds blended with French varieties. Bernardino Sani, CEO of the Tuscan estate, chats to dbHK about his fond memories of drinking his first Vin Santo, and his dream party with Mick Jagger and Cardi B.

What vintage are you?
1980. 
 
What bottle sparked your love of wine?  
My uncle’s Vin Santo (a very local and traditional sweet wine) that I drank when I was a child – yes in Tuscany we used to give some sips of wine to children!
 
What would you be as a wine?
Hopefully a Brunello, being very local but able to travel a lot internationally. 
 
Where are you happiest?
With friends and good wines in front of a beautiful beach.
 
What’s your greatest vice?
Too many to pick one.
 
Best advice you ever got?
This is a job that you cannot learn just studying, you have to steal with your eyes.
 
Your cellar’s underwater, which bottle would you dive in and save?
Salon 2006, and I would open it immediately in case the whole cellar would go underwater.
 
What’s the best and worst thing about the wine business?
Best thing: the wine business people are great. Worst thing: you see the result of your job only in a lifetime.
 
What’s on your wine bucket list?
The wines I like most are Burgundy whites, Champagne, Barolo and Brunello.
 
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party? 
My best friends, family and wife, Mick Jagger to play music and Cardi B to spice up the party!
 
Personal satisfaction (Parker points – out of 100)?
95.
 
Which wine would you like served at your funeral?
For the special occasions always Champagne!

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