Wine Tour: wineries and tastings

The Tuscan hills are a favorable location for the production of high-quality wines thanks to a multitude of factors, namely the highly calcareous soil, an ideal amount of summer rainfall, optimal sun exposure, and proper ventilation and insulation. 

It is in fact since Roman times that the hills of Bagno a Ripoll and surrounding areas have been home to vineyards, and one of the main agricultural activities was the production of wine. 

Wine production in the Bagno a Ripoli area continued to be one of the leading agricultural activities throughout the Middle Ages; vineyards were often found within the confines of the properties of feudal lords and wine was produced both for domestic consumption of the nobles and their guests (in which case the highest quality wine was served) and for distribution and consumption in inns, taverns and restaurants for travelers. 

The Renaissance witnessed wine making become a true art form, and with this new professions dedicated to the acquisition, storage and serving of wine were born. The vineyards in Bagno a Ripoli that belonged to Florentine lords were expanded, carefully cared for and selected. The wine that was produced, depending on its quality, supplied the houses of the lords in Florence and brought cheer to banquets and living rooms, but was also sold to the taverns of the middle and lower classes. 

Currently the Bagno a Ripoli area is characterized by a good production of wine, certified with the indications IGT ( Typical Geographical Indication), DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin), as well as Consorzio Chianti Colli Fiorentini, the latter denoting particularly elevated quality.

 

The first stop on our itinerary is Podere Ema, which is located in Grassina, a few kilometers from Florence, on the Via Chiantigiana, one of the most picturesque “wine roads” in Tuscany, 250 meters above sea level in the hills of Chianti Fiorentino. The vineyards are located on the south-southeast slope with calcareous clay soils in an area characterized by rather cold winds and relatively hot summers. To date, Podere Ema boasts thirteen hectares of vineyards, where only native grape varieties are planted: Trebbiano, Malvasia del Chianti, Sangiovese, Colorino, and Foglia Tonda. Vinification of the grapes and aging of the wines take place in terracotta pots from Impruneta.

The Podere Ema wine line includes three IGT Reds: Rosso Ema ( Sangiovese and Colorino), Nocchino ( Sangiovese 60%, Foglia Tonda 30% Colorino 10%) and Fogliatonda ( 100% Foglia Tonda in purity)

From March to October ( approximately) there is also a Rosato and a Bianco IGT: I’Rosato ( Sangiovese vinified in white) and I’Bianco ( 60%Trebbiano 40% Malvasia del Chianti)

• Visits and tastings: 10 euros per person for the winery visit + table tasting of 4 wines ( approximately half an hour long), 20 euros for the 1-hour visit and tasting, 35 euros for the visit and tasting accompanied by a large platter of cold cuts and cheeses.
• Reservations are not required for quick tastings, but they are required  for tours and complete tastings.

 

The second stop on our itinerary is Azienda Agricola Malenchini, located within the splendid Medici villa of Lilliano and led by Diletta Malenchini. Outstanding among the wines are Chianti DOCG and Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG. Other products of note include Vin Santo DOC made from malvasia grapes.

• Wine and oil tastings tours can be booked. Prices start from 25 euros per person per adult for the 1-hour visit.

Visits with tastings can be combined with:

• a Light lunch with typical and farm-to-table specialties
• a Picnic in the vineyard (March to October) with seasonal 0-mile products accompanied by a bottle of wine
• a Four-course Dinner based on seasonal farm-to-table products with wine pairing for each course
• a Cooking Class followed by a Light Lunch based on the dishes cooked during the class paired with a glass of wine.

 

Our third stop is inside the Ancient Renaissance Villa of Poggio Casciano, where we find one of the estates of the Azienda Ruffino, which covers about 200 hectares, 60 of which are vineyards. They are cultivated on the various hills of the area at different exposures and altitudes, ideal for bringing out the best characteristics of the individual varieties. Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir are grown here. The latter grape variety takes particular pride in the winery’s production since in the 1980s Ruffino pioneered the cultivation of Pinot Noir in Tuscany.

For many years, the vineyards have been constantly monitored by 40 special hydroclimatic stations, positioned in strategic places on the estate. By recording temperatures, rainfall, degree of humidity and solar radiation, it has been possible to create a very high-precision “agroclimatic mapping“. In line with these studies, the various grape varieties that are now grown at Poggio Casciano were determined. The grapes harvested in these vineyards undergo microvinification, which is very important for studying the response of a given grape variety to a specific microclimate.

 Visits and tastings can be booked.

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