Podere Salicutti
Podere Salicutti, Montalcino’s first certified organic estate, was founded by Francesco Leanza and carefully transitioned to legendary Munich restauranteurs Felix and Sabine Eichbauer, who have guided its evolution toward biodynamic practices while honoring the land’s natural rhythms. The estate’s 11 hectares of Sangiovese, spread across three adjoining vineyards—Teatro, Sorgente, and Piaggione—sit at 420–500 meters with ideal sun exposure, airflow, and marne-rich soils that enhance ripening and concentration. Salicutti’s Brunello di Montalcino reflects the individuality of each plot, combining purity, structure, and a deep expression of terroir.
Our Relationship
Francesco Laenza and I met in 2015 and I was nervous about it. A friend had told me was looking to sell the property and at the time I had dreams of making Brunello (with no clue as to how). Francesco is this sort of admired and feared guy… devoted to his vines, he moved from Catania (Sicily) to Montalcino in the early '90s when Montalcino only had about 80 producers. He wanted to plant and farm organically, which was a new concept at the time. Unmarried and without children, the vines were his family... so the concept of potentially buying the property from an iconic producer was nerve racking. I couldn't afford the winery, and I should have known, but the view is amazing, the wines were inspiring, and the man was as cool as they get. I brought my wife, Angela, and our two boys back to the property several times before he sold the property in 2016. Now I'm hopeful the new owners of Podere Salicutti take as much pride in this amazing place as Francesco did, while forging their own path forward on this amazing vineyard.
11 hectares
1990
Organic, biodynamic
Marls (clay, sandstone, lime sand), rocks (argillite and sand lime rock)
