Avignonesi is one of the most ancient wineries in Italy. The family has been in Montepulciano since the 16th century. In 2009, Virginie Saverys aquired the Avignonesi estate from the Falvo brothers. The Falvo brothers bought the property in 1974 and invested in viticulture (using local varieties such as Prugnolo and introducing new ones including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot), creating a model for making premium Tuscan wines that is still followed today. Avignonesi consists of four wine producing estates that are nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. Le Capezzine includes a traditional vinsantaia (a Vinsanto production facility). I Poggetti, in Montepulciano, produces Vino Nobile. La Selva is dedicated to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. La Lombarda vineyard is planted to Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Nero, and Merlot. Vinsanto from Avignonesi is renowned and celebrated everywhere. Avignonesi’s experimental vineyard, Vigna Tonda (round vineyard), researches how a wine’s quality is influenced by planting density and orientation. The talented wine maker Paolo Trappolini is responsible for the wines.