In the hilly amphitheater of Tuscany’s Maremma region, above an ancient coastal lake called Prelius, a vineyard organically farmed by the Stianti Mascheroni family flourishes. This vineyard, also called Prelius, is the first venture outside of Chianti Classico for the Stianti Mascheroni family, leaders in Tuscany’s organic viticultural movement.

The Prelius estate makes three wines: Vermentino, Cabernet Sauvignon and CastelPrile.

The Vermentino offers fresh pineapple and apple flavors with floral aromas. A late-ripening, aromatic white grape variety, Vermentino originated in Spain and flourishes in seaside conditions where a mix of sunshine and breezes result in balanced acidity with tropical fruit aromas and flavors.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, yet elegant wine with beautiful tannins and a long, seamless finish. Intended for drinking young, it is aged for nine to 10 months in large French oak casks and then in the bottle for approximately three months.

In 2010, Prelius will release its flagship wine, CastelPrile, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.