The Italian winery is located in the north-east of the Chianti Classico region, seven kilometres from the municipality of Greve, surrounded by hills. The Castello was once built as a watchtower on the Via Cassia Imperiale, built under Emperor Hadrian (76-138) in 123, to defend the surrounding area. The building was erected in the 16th century after the previous building was destroyed during one of the numerous local wars. A member of the Canigiani family, who owned it at the time, began to rebuild it. It was then acquired by the Pitti family, who owned it for a long time and used it as a country residence.
Viticulture
In 1897, the property was acquired by Carlo François, whose family had immigrated to Tuscany from France in the 18th century. He converted the property into a farm and began growing grapes. In 1924, the estate was one of the 30 founding members of the Consorzio del Vino Chianti Classico-Gallo nero . Numerous old vintages from the beginning of the 20th century are kept in the cellars. One of the particularly outstanding wines was a Chianti Classico vintage from 1904, which was labelled the wine of the century . In 1978, Carlo's grandson Alessandro took over responsibility and introduced extensive rationalisation measures.
Vineyards & grape varieties
The estate comprises around 190 hectares, including 60 hectares of vineyards, five hectares of olive groves and the rest of oakoakwood and chestnut forestschestnut .These extend along the slopes of the valley at altitudes between 400 and 530 metres above sea level . The vineyards are spread over 22 different vineyards. They are planted with the red wine varieties Sangiovese , Canaiolo Nero , Cabernet Sauvignon , Cabernet Franc , Syrah , Colorino del Valdarno , Merlot , Mammolo , Ciliegiolo and Malvasia Nera di Brindisi , as well as the white wine varieties Malvasia Bianca Lunga , Trebbiano Toscano and Chardonnay .
Wine cellar
The vineyards are cultivated according to ecologicalecological principles with organic fertilisation and mild plant protection products .The selective grape harvest is generally carried out by hand in several passes. The air-conditioned storage cellaris equippedwith stainless steel and glass-cement vats with a total capacity of around 3,500 hectolitres. The cellars have a storage capacity of around 1,500 hectolitres and includeFrench Allier, Tronçais and Limousin oak barriques. Olive oil is also produced.
