(Franco with his father)

Franco is the proud but modest owner of Sante Marie, a little estate of approx. 3 hectares situated in the hill above the warm springs of Bagno Vignoni. His philosophy is to "work the vines as were they an orchard"; to make sure the grapes on the vines are good and when they have matured properly and have been brought to the cellar, to do his best to use this quality grape to make a more than good characteristic Orcia doc.

Wines produced:

● "Curzio" Orcia doc  
(Nr. of bottles produced: 2.000)

● "Adóne" Orcia doc   (Sold Out)
(Nr. of bottles produced: 1.500)

● "Sunto" Rosso di Toscana igt  
(Nr. of bottles produced: 1.000)

Sante Marie also produces fine extra virgin olive oil and grappa.

The first wine of Sante Maria, after the regulations of the DOC Orcia were made in 2000, was "Curzio" Orcia doc 2001. The name bears reference to a great grandfather, who was a connaisseur and drinker of good wine. Right after the making of the Curzio, the estate was mentioned in national wine guides, and the 2001 vintage was sold out in a couple of months. The production, of course, is still very limited, only about 2000 bottles of each kind of wine.