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The Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico, comes from an estate in Tuscany that dates back even further than the Meerlust featured above. The property is part of land gift that dates back to 1524, a group of properties that were given to a local noble family, the Capponis. These days, Villa Calcinaia is a model wine estate, owned and managed by Count Sebastiano Capponi, who spares no expense in producing a lineup of wines that include Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione, Super-Tuscans (Merlot) and high-quality olive oil. Additionally, Sebastiano has undertaken the arduous task of reviving many of the region’s long-forgotten grape varieties and having them recognized by the Italian wine authorities.

Sangiovese, of course, is the main variety, followed by Canaiolo, Mammolo and Colorino but Sebastiano also grows and bottles San Forte and the rare Occhiorosso. The estate, comprised of approximately 75 acres, makes an incredible range of wines; whites, reds, rose, sparkling and dessert. It seems that the industrious Count won’t rest until he restores this important part of Tuscany’s heritage. Speaking of heritage, the domaine is blessed with some very old vines, all farmed organically with a passionate desire to protect the surrounding environment. The vineyards, near Greve-in-Chianti, are planted at elevations between 200 and 350 meters, on the left bank of the Greve River where the soil is made up of calcareous clay and chalk limestone, the famous galestro and alberese soils of the Classico zone. With credentials like this, you just know the wines are going to be phenomenal.

 When Count Capponi was in town recently, we had the opportunity to meet with him and taste through some of his wines. He’s a very sophisticated, intellectually-driven gentleman who epitomizes the unrelenting drive for quality and authenticity that Villa Calcinaia espouses.

The Cappone Chianti Classico, Villa Calcinaia’s entry-level red wine, is 100% Sangiovese, fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel and aged for 12 months before release. It’s not your average, simple Chianti. Rather, it’s deeply colored with well-integrated tannins and a backbone of acidity that makes for great food pairing, not to mention, additional bottle age. Despite its low price, the wine has an almost regal quality, not unlike the man himself.