The wines of Radda in Chianti are truly “mountain” Sangiovese wines, crisp and lively, redolent of summer fruit and Alpine-fresh breezes. Diego Finocchi, a native son, started his project in 2006 with a goal of capturing all of Radda’s stony energy and verve in his organically raised wines.
Sitting on a perfect plateau some 1,050 feet above altitude, Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencioni benefits from a particular microclimate that moderates the more Mediterranean heat of this side of Montalcino. Brunello here is wonderfully suave and savory, with tangy licorice and black cherry fruit.
This family farm is one of Montalcino’s smallest, located near Tavernelle in the appellation’s southwest, with just over seven acres of land planted (by family hands) to Sangiovese vines. If you want the true soul of Montalcino, look no further.
While so much of Montalcino has become consumed by large estates and flashy conglomerates, it is a breath of fresh air to find a true family winery like Pietroso with deep roots in the region and an honest belief in the potential of Sangiovese from its native soils.
Tenuta di Valgiano is the gateway to a different Tuscany. The manicured estates of Montalcino seem a world away; here in the hills above the city of Lucca, dense forests hide weather-worn villas and older-vine vineyards, with climbing herbs winding round “palistorti,” crooked stakes that mark each vine row.
From its perch seemingly at the top of the world, Dama del Rovere sets itself apart from the Soave masses with high-altitude vineyards, strict attention to yields and vibrant, character-rich white wines that have become the true benchmarks of quality for the Soave Classico appellation.
The history of the Ricasoli-Firidolfi family in Tuscany is a rich tapestry of kings and statesmen, its fabric woven together with the vine. For more than 37 generations, this ancient family has cultivated grapes and crafted wines in Monti in Chianti, the “very best area” of Chianti Classico, according to Antonio Galloni.
Oftentimes discovering one’s true calling requires a leap of faith. Stella di Campalto found hers in an abandoned farm and winery in Montalcino, land that she restored to vibrant life with her own hands.