Girasole

2009

“Girasole,” means “Sunflower” in Italian. The name pays homage to the beautiful flower that covers Tuscan hillsides (and Jordan’s mother’s favorite flower!). It also invokes the sunflower logo of The Tory Burch Foundation, a source of inspiration to Jordan Salcito as she founded Bellus Wines. Together with the Tory Burch design team, we designed this inaugural label. Bellus Wines donates ten dollars per case of “Girasole” to The Tory Burch Foundation, which empowers women entrepreneurs and their families through microfinance and mentorship.

We make the “Girasole” in Montalcino, Tuscany from grapes grown organically at our partner Casanuova delle Cerbaie estate. Jordan has worked harvest at the winery for the past several years and has a close relationship with the owner and the team. Soils at the estate are a mix of calcareous clay and gallestro. The presence of these minerals in the soil adds brightness to our wines.

Sangiovese, a native Italian grape, finds its spiritual home in Tuscany. Montalcino is the birthplace of Sangiovese’s “Brunello” clone, the variety we use in our “Girasole.” We also blend in Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, both grown at the estate.

We vinify the Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot separately in large neutral Slavonian and Austrian oak barrels with indigenous, then we create the final blend.