Continuing with my “I miss Tuscany” theme, today’s post is about the Conte Guicciardini family which has big news. I have known both the Count and his adoptive son – Bernardo – for a number of years now. I considered them friends and was very happy to hear their good news. According to a press release, the family is expanding their holdings:

“…we have the pleasure to announce that, ”CASTELLO DI POPPIANO”, our historical estate and flagship company of Chianti Colli Fiorentini and “MASSI DI MANDORLAIA”, emerging reality of Morellino di Scansano, are now joined by another precious gem: the “Fattoria BELVEDERE A CAMPOLI”. The Fattoria BELVEDERE a CAMPOLI is located in one of the most prestigious areas of Chianti Classico, lying on the ridge of the hills between Montefiridolfi and Mercatale at an altitude of about 400 meters. Its optimum exposure and soils are ideal to ensure great wines. Developing BELVEDERE CAMPOLI will become complementary to the other two Guicciardini Family estates. It is a new challenge that we are going to pick up both on the technical and promotional/commercial facets. The production of BELVEDERE CAMPOL in fact will diversify our offer while raising it qualitatively. The first vintage 2015 is in the cellar and in September 2016 we will have the first bottles on the market. A part of the product will be hosted in the cellar for aging in view to produce the “Gran Selezione” designation wine.”

Auguri to the family. I had asked the Count to adopt me numerous times but he has always politely declined.

Poppiano is a pretty beautiful place as you can see from the photos and the Vinsantaia is truly exceptional. I have yet to see their library which hosts volumes of incredible history and value. Perhaps one day, that will be in the cards as well.

I love their Chianti wines from the denomination Chianti Colli Fiorentini Denominazione d’Origine Controllata e Garantita (D.O.C.G.) and their Morellino di Scansano from Massi di Mandorlaia. The area was defined in 1932. With DPR 290 of July 2, 1984, the Chianti Colli Fiorentini area was officially granted DOCG recognition; The Chianti Colli Fiorentini Consortium was founded on September 20, 1994.

The wines must be at least 70% Sangiovese. They can also contain Canaiolo and Colorino, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah in small quantities. I was introduced to the Chianti Colli Fiorentini in 2010 by their wonderful PR manager, Stefano. Despite living in Florence for many years, I didn’t know there was a specific denomination for the wines.

Some 18 communes can used this denomination including the following: Montelupo Fiorentino, Fiesole, Lastra a Signa, Scandicci, Impruneta, Bagno a Ripoli, Rignano sull’Arno and Pontassieve as well as Montespertoli, San Casciano Val di Pesa, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Certaldo, Barberino Val d’Elsa, Incisa, Figlini; Pelago, Reggello and Florence. Some 27 wineries are members of the Consortium.

The terroir in this area is mostly alluvial soils with good drainage. They also tend to have a high percentage of clay. Most of the vineyards are located on hills ranging from 150 to 400 meters above sea level. The exposition is quite varied. Some vineyards face southeast and southeast while others face north.

Generally, the wines from this region are well structured. While they have good tannins and acidity, they can be more approachable than some other Chianti wines. Some are more modern than you find in other areas, fruitier and easy to drink even when young.

A big fan of Vin Santo, climbing up to the Vinsantaia in Castello di Poppiano was a real highlight for me a few years ago on a trip to visit the family.

Here’s a great picture of their carratelli, filled with that wonderful elixir known as Vin Santo.