“My wine is proof that dreams come true,” is the sentiment of Sergio Rossi. Once a successful advertising executive, Sergio left that career to fulfill his passion of becoming a winemaker, and owning his own vineyards and winery. In 1976 he purchased La Gerla, a property previously owned by the Biondi Santi Family, that has grown to be an 11.5-hectare farm in Montalcino, Italy. This land is widely known for producing high quality grapes and the name, “La Gerla,” represents the traditional basket that harvesters used in transporting grapes on their backs in Northern Italy.

The La Gerla property is situated 320 metres above sea level and is bordered by the Orcia and Ombrone valleys. It’s vineyards are rich in clay and silt, and are caressed by a fresh dry microclimate which allows for slow maturation. The estate has established itself as one of the great crùs in the heart of Tuscany, with much of their farming efforts focused on traditional agricultural techniques and respecting the land. The resulting Brunello wines are warm and velvety, with great character and roundness but above all with extraordinary concentration.

Sergio passed in 2011 and his work has been continued by his wife, Donatella, winemaker Vittorio Fiore, Alberto Passeri, agronomist/director and a team that has helped him achieve his goals from the start. Today the estate has large modern cellars complete with the latest technology and focuses on environmental sustainability, clean energy and produces powerful, complex wines made entirely from Sangiovese Grosso.