The Terre Nere estate stretches over 15 hectares (37 acres), at an elevation of 280 meters, 10 km south-east of Montalcino. Ten hectares (25 acres) are planted in vines near the hamlet of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, on the slopes below the hilltop Castle of Velona. Pasquale Vallone, owner of Tere Nere, has a passion for viticulture which comes from his early family experience, as his family has always been dedicated to self-realization by working with nature. The Vallone family moved to Montalcino in the 1990's when Pasquale, a bank manager, reinforced his interest in and knowledge of the world of wine when he fell in love with a wild, unspoiled area to the south-east of Montalcino. The micro-climate, soil and exposure make this place perfect for the cultivation of vines. Pasquale decided to give life to his passion so he bought the land and with his wife Piera and his children Francesca and Federico, planted 10 hectares of vineyards. 10 hectares, including nine of Sangiovese and one of Cabernet Sauvignon, are grown in pruned-spur, cordon-trained rows with a density of roughly 4500 vines/hectare. The vineyards are nestled in a setting of rare beauty, surrounded by pristine forests and where there is a micro-climate ideal for vine cultivation. All the vineyards are in hilly areas and enjoy excellent sun exposure while being embraced by a constantly blowing breeze provided by Monte Amiata and Monte Nero. The Orcia river flows in the valley below the vines, guaranteeing a reservoir of humidity during the hot season and carrying out an important thermoregulatory action. The dark terrain is composed of galestro, a mixture of loose marl and limestone which is typical of the Tuscan Apennines and is quite friable. The special dark soil gives the winery its name “Terre Nere”. Currently the winery produces 50,000 bottles per year divided into Brunello di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Rosso di Montalcino e Sant’antimo doc.