The soils in Toscana are formed from Pliocene and Pleistocene marine sediments, and from Quaternary alluvial and lacustrine deposits. The region is quite hilly, progressing inward to the Apennine Mountains. Here, many vineyards are planted on the higher elevations of the hillsides to benefit from a cooler weather. The soils composition lie mostly on clay, with a great level of nutrients and organic matter.

Stefano Amerighi estate is located in the east of Tuscany, in the Cortona DOC region. This terroir is proving to be a real game-changer for Syrah, and there is no doubt that Stefano Amerighi is its brightest star. He comes from a long line of vignerons, but as a lifelong devotee of the Rhône, he had no interest in growing Sangiovese. After intensive research he identified the perfect location for his vines - two south-west facing hills of sandy silt and chalk. Working biodynamically in the fields and traditionally in the cellar, including crushing the grapes by foot, his wines have a perfumed elegance that belies their olive-laden, spicy power.