“I love and work with the possibility to know every single vineyard like a child… explore, learn, and embrace,” says Serena, winemaker and agronomist of Vecchie Terre di Montefili.

At their vineyard, wildflowers bloom abundantly. The oenological team collects samples, which provide crucial information about soil quality. In one vineyard, they identified over 62 types of flowers, a testament to the soil’s richness. These are just some of the wonderful things highlighted about this incredible winery in Italy and their understanding of the presence of the right micronutrients is vital for soil health, great wines, and biodiversity.

The winery specializes in Sangiovese and follows an organic approach. They carefully match different Sangiovese clones to specific soil types, considering the high elevation of their vineyards. All grapes are hand-picked and fermented separately in steel tanks. You can tell upon first sip that these wines are well crafted, cared for, and produced with passion. This meticulous process as well as Serena’s expertise in winemaking ensures that each wine maintains its acidity and freshness over time.

“Our philosophy is about patience and respect for the wine’s natural expression. We allow the wines to develop at their own pace, resulting in bold, beautiful, special, and elegant creations. The best solution is to express the best every vintage,” Serena emphasizes.

In Chianti, the altitude is ideal for Cabernet Franc, which Serena thoughtfully blends with Sangiovese. She believes the wines from this region should not be too heavy, as previously mentioned, and blending with Sangiovese adds a desired freshness to the Cabernet Franc. Despite facing challenges as a winemaker in Tuscany, especially being from Northern Italy where practices differ, Serena has successfully adapted her techniques to create exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

“Every single vineyard has a different life and life cycle. I pick Chianti Classico first, and then may wait a few days to select another vineyard. It’s much more important to have perfect, crunchy, and round grapes with great acidity and sugar levels than to pick when I want to pick,” says Serena, winemaker at Vecchie Terre di Montefili.

I recently had the pleasure of tasting their wines and meeting Serena online. Her story and passion for winemaking are truly inspiring, and I am constantly impressed by this winery. Vecchie Terre di Montefili produces a wide range of wines, each with its own unique character. I guarantee you’ll find an amazing wine within their selection that you’ll love.

In the 1970s, the Acuti family planted the vineyards that would become Vecchie Terre di Montefili, embracing the innovation of the Super Tuscans movement and creating unique Tuscan wines. In 2000, Montefili became part of Italy’s first organic district, promoting sustainable viticulture. Then, in 2015, American investors Nicola Marzovilla, Frank Bynum, and Tom Peck Jr. acquired Montefili, bringing a vision of preserving its sanctity while innovating for the future. With winemaker Serena Gusmeri at the helm, they have received worldwide acclaim.

Vecchie Terre di Montefili showcases the incredible freshness of their Sangiovese, a testament to Serena’s respect for the “gifts” from Mother Nature. “I want to preserve this style of Sangiovese, the fresh style that’s true to the region. Chianti Classico should be lighter and fresh; it’s the best with BBQ, interesting, and drinkable. That’s my focus,” Serena explains.

Before joining Montefili, Serena was a winemaker in Franciacorta, where she gained extensive experience with unique soils, terroir, and high elevation. This background adds an invaluable perspective to Montefili’s winemaking approach. The winery’s commitment to understanding soil types fuels their passion. Their organic certification is just one aspect of their dedication; it’s the scientific pursuit of constant improvement that drives them forward.

Vecchie Terre di Montefili’s soils are diverse, consisting of Albareza, Galestro, and sandstone. Albareza, rich in limestone, and Galestro, abundant in clay, both contribute distinct qualities to the wines. The sandstone soil, found in a single vineyard, adds yet another unique dimension. Serena’s holistic approach considers everything from beneficial insects to wildflowers, emphasizing the importance of every element in the ecosystem.

As for the wines… let’s take a look!

Chianti Classico: Step into the world of Chianti Classico, where tradition meets exceptional quality. These wines are crafted from Sangiovese grapes, that captivate with their vibrant ruby hue and an aromatic profile that dances with red cherries, violets, and subtle hints of earth and spice. They have a secret, and that is that Chianti Classico’s refined complexity lies in its meticulous aging process in oak barrels. This imparts soft tannins and a balanced acidity, elevating every sip to an unforgettable experience. What truly sets our Chianti Classico apart is its terroir. The unique blend of climate, soil, and topography in the Chianti region allows the Sangiovese grapes to reach their full potential. The result? Robust yet elegant wines with a finish that lingers delightfully on the palate!

Gran Selezione Chianti Classico: The Gran Selezione is bold yet balanced with juicy fruit flavors and structure with silky tannins. It is right up front on the palate with red cherry, mature blackberry, and ripe plum with hints of currants. Complex notes of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg are followed by a gorgeous and persistent finish. This one was ideal with steak one night and can easily stand up to heartier dishes as fall approaches in a few months.

Anfiteatro: A perfect wine aka a Super Cru, for grilled meats and roasts! Discover poetry in a bottle with their noble Sangioveses, capturing the essence of their diverse terroirs. Grown in three distinct vineyards, each with unique soils, altitudes, and exposures, these wines offer a structured journey of complexity and diversity. This single-vineyard Sangiovese from the oldest vines showcases the heart and soul of Montefili. The taste is intense with a a number of fruits including dried cherry, orange peel, and fig. Notes of cinnamon, baking spice, and smoke leap from the glass and also add an important backbone to the wine for structure.  It’s velvety, elegant, and unique with a very long, memorable finish.

Vigna Nel Bosco: A sangiovese that is from a selection in vineyard that is one of the best. This wine is full, luscious, and fragrant with delicate tannins. Its prominent fruit aromas of ripe red cherries, cranberry, and apricot meet complex notes of nutmeg, ginger, and prune. Overall this wine is an absolute delight and one to showcase all year long. This is the wine you order cases of, knowing it will be consumed by everyone who enjoys a great glass of wine. It’s bright, precise, and enticing with a lively, long lasting finish.

Vigna Vecchia: Undisputed truth with their vines’ equals longevity and refinement that reflect their natural expression, shaped by altitude and time. They truly know what to do with their vines and this was one of my favorite wines in the lineup for everyday consumption, dinners with friends, and simply transporting you to this famed region. This single-vineyard Sangiovese is delicate yet structured with nicely woven tannins and vibrant acidity. Elegant aromas of flower petals, red cherry, and more are combined with savory notes of white pepper, juniper, and earth. It’s intense, powerful, and earthy with a lingering finish.

Be sure to check out their website to learn more about these incredible wines! You can easily order them as well and trust me, they’re worth it! Always remember, eat what you like and drink what you love. Please pair responsibly!