If you are looking for a winery that is synonymous with quality and timeless Chianti Classicos, then you need look no further than Castello di Monsanto. A must-see for wine-lovers that have found a vacation rental in Barberino Val D'Elsa, Castello di Monsanto is an elegant winery full of character that is set within the grounds of a castle and estate that dates back to the middle of the 18th century.
The story of wine at Castello di Monsanto is a little more recent and goes back to 1960 when Aldo Bianchi, a native of San Gimignano, came back to the area in which he was born and raised for a wedding at the castle. He became so enamoured by the view from the terrace of the castle – across the Val d’Elsa and right over to the famous towers of San Gimignano – that he fell madly in love with the place and had purchased it within a few months. Later, when Aldo passed on the castle to his son Fabrizio and his wife Giuliana, the couple planted new vineyards and restructured the surrounding hamlets. The first cru of Chianti Classico was then born in 1962. As of 1996, the estate and the production of wine has been passed down to the third generation of the family, Fabrizio and Giuliana’s daughter, Laura and since 2001, they have all worked in collaboration with the wine maker Andrea Ginovannini in order to continue on with the ever-innovative and experimental spirit of the brand.
The story of wine at Castello di Monsanto is a little more recent and goes back to 1960 when Aldo Bianchi, a native of San Gimignano, came back to the area in which he was born and raised for a wedding at the castle. He became so enamoured by the view from the terrace of the castle – across the Val d’Elsa and right over to the famous towers of San Gimignano – that he fell madly in love with the place and had purchased it within a few months. Later, when Aldo passed on the castle to his son Fabrizio and his wife Giuliana, the couple planted new vineyards and restructured the surrounding hamlets. The first cru of Chianti Classico was then born in 1962. As of 1996, the estate and the production of wine has been passed down to the third generation of the family, Fabrizio and Giuliana’s daughter, Laura and since 2001, they have all worked in collaboration with the wine maker Andrea Ginovannini in order to continue on with the ever-innovative and experimental spirit of the brand.
In the years following the first harvests, Fabrizio went on to introduce an increasing number of revolutionary policies and changes and introduced a Chardonnay in 1974 and a Cabernet Sauvignon in 1981. There are now nine wines on their books including whites, reds, a rosé, and a vinsanto. Castello di Monsanto was also the first winery in the region to make a single-vineyard designated wine, their Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio.
The oldest of their wines is, of course, this aforementioned Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG Il Poggio that was born in the Il Poggio vineyard in 1962 and was the first Chianti Classico Cru. Made of 90% Sangiovese and from 7% Canaiolo and 3% Colorino, it is aged for 20 months in French oak barrels and produced only in the best vintages and is the most famous product of the estate. The other Chianti wines include the Chianti Classico DOCG Castello di Monsanto and the Chianti DOCG Monrosso, which is the youngest and freshest wine from the company. In addition to these traditional Chianti reds, there is the Nemo IGT Toscana (a Cabernet Sauvignon), the Fabrizio Bianchi Chardonnay IGT Toscana, the Fabrizio Bianchi Sangioveto IGT Toscana, the Fabrizio Bianchi Rosato IGT Toscana (the rosé), and the Vinsanto del Chianti Classico DOC La Chimera.
Of the 72 hectares of vineyards at Castello di Monsanto, 56 hectares are of the Sangiovese variety, which is the vine that the company has always put stock in, championed, and believed in right from the start. There is also a small percentage of the two historic vines that are used in the Chianti Classico blend, the Canaiolo and Colorino vines, among others. Then, indoors, the carefully established and perfected facilities continue with the impressive 300 meter long wine tunnel (which was hand-dug by three 79 year old men decades ago) that links the cellars both old and new. These cellars echo with history and fragrances and are where, “tomorrow’s wines are maturing and those of yesterday rest, with a reserve of historic vintages equal to few in the world.”
The oldest of their wines is, of course, this aforementioned Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG Il Poggio that was born in the Il Poggio vineyard in 1962 and was the first Chianti Classico Cru. Made of 90% Sangiovese and from 7% Canaiolo and 3% Colorino, it is aged for 20 months in French oak barrels and produced only in the best vintages and is the most famous product of the estate. The other Chianti wines include the Chianti Classico DOCG Castello di Monsanto and the Chianti DOCG Monrosso, which is the youngest and freshest wine from the company. In addition to these traditional Chianti reds, there is the Nemo IGT Toscana (a Cabernet Sauvignon), the Fabrizio Bianchi Chardonnay IGT Toscana, the Fabrizio Bianchi Sangioveto IGT Toscana, the Fabrizio Bianchi Rosato IGT Toscana (the rosé), and the Vinsanto del Chianti Classico DOC La Chimera.
Of the 72 hectares of vineyards at Castello di Monsanto, 56 hectares are of the Sangiovese variety, which is the vine that the company has always put stock in, championed, and believed in right from the start. There is also a small percentage of the two historic vines that are used in the Chianti Classico blend, the Canaiolo and Colorino vines, among others. Then, indoors, the carefully established and perfected facilities continue with the impressive 300 meter long wine tunnel (which was hand-dug by three 79 year old men decades ago) that links the cellars both old and new. These cellars echo with history and fragrances and are where, “tomorrow’s wines are maturing and those of yesterday rest, with a reserve of historic vintages equal to few in the world.”
All of this - the vineyards, the cellars, the wines - are each wonderful in their own right but are all the more appealing for being set within the grounds and buildings of the beautiful 18th century gem that is the Castello di Monsanto and which is, in turn, set within a large and impeccably groomed estate in the lush pastures and gorgeous rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside outside San Gimignano. In addition to being a perfect winery because of its highly regarded wines, Castello di Monsanto is a great winery to visit if you have found a holiday rental in Barberino Val D’Elsa as the tours and tastings that you can go on will take you through these truly astounding historic and scenic surroundings.
Just book your visit in advance and come learn about the main Tuscan Designation of Origin wines, the cultivation techniques used in the vineyards, the various production phases, explore the grounds and cellars, and enjoy an informative tasting of three of the wines (included in the cost of the tour) over the course of about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total for around twenty euros (contact the estate for the latest details and pricing information). Afterwards, you can continue to enjoy the grounds, shop all nine wines produced on the estate (and have them shipped home ahead of you, if you like), and even grab some food on the premises (if you have arranged this in advance as well).
A true must-see for wine-lovers who have found a vacation rental in Barberino Val D'Elsa or who are spending time exploring Tuscany, this is one of the best winery experiences in the region and boasts one of the prettiest settings around. In fact, the estate is so charming that it will keep the little ones or those less interested in wine intrigued too!
Castello di Monsanto
Via Monsanto, 8, 50021 Barberino Val D'Elsa FI, Italy
+39 055 805 9000
Just book your visit in advance and come learn about the main Tuscan Designation of Origin wines, the cultivation techniques used in the vineyards, the various production phases, explore the grounds and cellars, and enjoy an informative tasting of three of the wines (included in the cost of the tour) over the course of about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total for around twenty euros (contact the estate for the latest details and pricing information). Afterwards, you can continue to enjoy the grounds, shop all nine wines produced on the estate (and have them shipped home ahead of you, if you like), and even grab some food on the premises (if you have arranged this in advance as well).
A true must-see for wine-lovers who have found a vacation rental in Barberino Val D'Elsa or who are spending time exploring Tuscany, this is one of the best winery experiences in the region and boasts one of the prettiest settings around. In fact, the estate is so charming that it will keep the little ones or those less interested in wine intrigued too!
Castello di Monsanto
Via Monsanto, 8, 50021 Barberino Val D'Elsa FI, Italy
+39 055 805 9000
