Giovanni Ascione and Maurizio Alongi are Italian natives with vast experience in the winemaking world, having worked across multiple regions in Italy and beyond. Both trained in viticulture and vinification, they have consultancy backgrounds for several prestigious projects, and between them they possess a deep understanding of the wine trade and the meticulous care that goes in to owning their own vineyards. Together they bring us a truly exciting new project, aptly named Ascione-Alongi.

Embarking on this new journey, their idea is to source parcels of grapes with great potential, from select regions across Italy, and use their decades worth of experience to produce premium quality wines. Using their collaborative winemaking methodology to highlight the potential of individual varieties, whilst staying true to style and tradition, without over-ripening or over-extraction.

Starting with Canaiolo, a native Tuscan variety which often makes up a small component of the blend which goes into Chianti wines. Although commonly planted across the region to this day, as a standout variety alone, it is overshadowed by the region's prized Sangiovese. Less colour than other Tuscan varieties, with lively tannins, complimented by red fruit flavours and a lovely floral element. Canaiolo in its own right has the ability to produce seriously elegant wines, with beautiful transparency - it is a shame there aren’t more on the market.

The plan for this selection project is to introduce new single-varietal wines year on year. In the pipeline they are already working towards a 100% Colorino and a 100% Foglia Tonda - watch this space!