TAVOLO VIGNETO

The most famous wine production area of Tuscany, Chianti Classico boasts a rich history that few other zones can rival. First outlined by the Grand Dukes of Tuscany in 1716, the zone was expanded in 1932 to encompass nine villages which straddle the provinces of Florence and Siena. Today, the region has become home to some of Italy’s finest Sangiovese and complex wines that can rival the best that Brunello di Montalcino or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano have to offer.

Located in the district’s Southeastern corner near Gaiole and the Monti subzone, Cacchiano is an ancient estate with equally ancient winemaking traditions. Originally constructed in the time of Charlemagne as a fortress to protect the nearby city of Florence, the estate has been controlled by the Ricasoli family since the 10th century. Transformed into a villa and farm during the Renaissance, the estate has cultivated wines for centuries, with the modern Cacchiano brand being launched in 1974. Today run by Baron Giovanni Ricasoli Firidolfi, the estate’s 32 hectares of vineyards are planted to the region’s historic grapes—Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino, and both variants of Malvasia. A vineyard of Merlot has also been added for a stellar “Super Tuscan” wine, Fontemerlano, and further innovative work has been undertaken on a Metodo Classico production of Sangiovese.