The Expert's Wine Guide for Tuscany
WINE EXPERT GUY WOODWARD SHARES HIS TOP SIX TUSCAN VINEYARDS
Destination 4 minute read
Discover Tuscany’s finest vineyards from COMO Castello Del Nero, set in the heart of a region which is home to more than 500 wineries crafting one of the most famous wines on the planet.
Castellina in Chianti
Casa Emma
The homely, family-run vibe of this charming winery belies a contemporary, sustainable approach to a wide range of organically produced wines, the surrounding vineyard fertilized by 80 native geese who also keep grass and unwanted insects in check. Like many Tuscan wineries, Casa Emma also produces its own olive oil, as well as balsamic vinegar, honey and even pomace flour.
Open for tours and lunch daily (reservations only); from €28
www.casaemma.it
Castellina in Chianti
Castello di Fonterutoli
The first documented mention of Chianti as a wine was in 1398, when Ser Lapo Mazzei used the term in a letter to a Tuscan merchant. Today his ancestors still own the estimable Castello di Fonterutoli, which produces an acclaimed range of Chiantis and SuperTuscans from its contemporary winery, designed by Agnese Mazzei and run by her brothers Filippo and Francesco. It offers a wide range of tours, tastings and even local treks, as well as food-and-wine experiences based around the cuisine of its fine osteria.
Open daily from 10am to 6pm; from €30
www.mazzei.it
Panzano in Chianti
Castello Di Rampolla
A favourite of COMO Castello del Nero sommelier Gioele Biundi, Rampolla sits in Chianti’s valley of the Conca d’Oro, south of Panzano. A long-term practitioner of biodynamic winemaking, the winery is also a pioneer of alternative vinification techniques, ageing its wines in terracotta amphorae and other less orthodox vessels.
Vineyard and winery tours Monday-Friday, April-October, 9am-1pm only; tastings available in the shop free of charge, tours from €30
www.castellodeirampolla.it
Panzano, Greve in Chianti
Panzanello
The hospitable Sommaruga family offer free tastings as well as more involved tours and tastings, served with local charcuterie. The estate produces a classic range of wines, from Chianti Classicos to SuperTuscans, and also the most innovative, fun rosé I encountered in Tuscany – a 100% unfiltered Sangiovese, named ‘Error 404’, with impressive fruit and structure.
Open Monday-Saturday, 10:30-18:00; free tasting, tours from €32
www.panzanello.it
San Casciano
Marchese Antinori nel Chianti Classico
The new Antinori winery is the Disneyland of Chianti, but sympathetically built into the land, only revealing its true scale and ambition once visitors are inside. The benchmark brand offers a wide range of slick tours and tastings, with or without lunch at its al fresco restaurant overlooking the vines.
Open daily, April-October, 10am-6:30pm; November-March, Monday to Friday, 10am-5:30pm, Saturdays & Sundays, 10am-6pm; from €45
www.antinori.it
Our concierge at COMO Castello Del Nero can arrange the wine tasting tours above at your convenience. Please get in touch for more information.
