Passo del Lume Spento is the highest altitude vineyard area in the Montalcino region of Tuscany, and is located immediately south-west of the town itself and the hamlet of Poggio Civitella, the highest point in Montalcino, and a once-important Capuccin convent. The name Lume Spento translates from Italian as an ‘extinguished light’, deriving it seems from the fact that the lamps on passing carriages would be blown out by the wind here. The main road that runs here connects Montalcino with both Mount Amiata to the south and the Maremma region on the Tuscan coast to the west.

Terroir: Hill summit. Well-drained soil, but spongy enough to retain moisture, and consisting of friable sandstone and galestro which aids vine rooting. Despite the high altitude, Sangiovese ripens here.

Wineries

Certified organic: Le Ragnaie.

No Certification: Passo del Lume Spento. | Poggio Antico.