Stella Binaria

Stella Binaria is a new, boutique natural wine project located in the Montalcino region of Tuscany, Italy. It stands out in this very traditional area known for its powerful Brunello di Montalcino, as it focuses on a more artisanal and unique expression of Sangiovese.

History and Location

  • Location: The winery is situated in the prestigious Montalcino area of Tuscany. Specifically, they work with a steep, north-facing vineyard, which provides a unique microclimate for Sangiovese, especially in the context of a warming climate.

  • Founding: The project is the dream of Simone and Sofia, friends who met in the hamlet of Castelnuovo dell'Abate. They began with a single, challenging vineyard and have focused on a very hands-on, low-intervention approach.

  • Philosophy: The name "Stella Binaria" means "Binary Star," which refers to two stars that orbit a common center of mass. This name symbolizes the collaboration between Simone and Sofia and the delicate balance they seek between tradition and innovation.

Winemaking Philosophy

Stella Binaria's winemaking is a modern, natural approach that adapts to the specific conditions of each vintage.

  • Organic Farming: The vineyards are farmed organically. The small-scale nature of the project allows for meticulous, hands-on care of the vines.

  • Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, their philosophy is to allow the grapes to express themselves as purely as possible.

    • Spontaneous Fermentation: All wines are fermented using indigenous yeasts.

    • Carbonic Maceration: They utilize carbonic maceration, a technique where whole grapes are fermented in a carbon dioxide-rich environment. This process is highly unusual for a region known for its structured, long-aged wines like Brunello, and it results in a more vibrant, fruit-forward style.

    • No Fining or Filtration: The wines are unfined and unfiltered, preserving their natural character.

    • Minimal Sulfur: The use of sulfur is kept to a minimum.

Notable Wines

Stella Binaria is known for its two unique, inaugural releases, which showcase their creative and non-traditional approach to Montalcino Sangiovese.

  • "La Notte" (The Night): This is a red wine from a particularly challenging, hot vintage. The name reflects the wine's dark, deep character. Despite the difficulties of the vintage, the use of carbonic maceration results in a wine with surprising freshness and a kind, rustic elegance.

  • "Il Giorno" (The Day): This is a red wine from a rainy vintage. The name reflects the wine's vibrant and sunny character. Made with carbonic maceration, this wine is known for its joyful immediacy and expressive fruit.