Just a short drive from Florence, you’ll find our favorite Chianti producer, Monteraponi. We discovered Monteraponi based on a recommendation from Ceri Smith at Biondivino Wine Boutique. We had never found a Chianti that we particularly liked until Ceri suggested we try this one. We fell in love with it, so while staying in Florence, we made our way to the winery, which is just northeast of Siena and about 50 minutes from Florence.
We met owners Michele and Alessandra on the property, where they live part time (they also have a place in Florence). Michele was on his way out to go fly fishing, but was kind enough to pull his fishing gear out of the back of his Jeep and take us on a tour of the vineyards. From the top of the hill, you can see the entire estate. The scenery in this area of Chianti is gorgeous, and we can’t wait to go back and stay at one of the winery’s apartments.
The winery is actually the central building of a medieval village that belonged to Count Ugo, Marchese and the Governor of Tuscany. It’s over one thousand years old, and located at the end of a long downhill drive. The property offers several guest apartments. The vineyards are located in the hills surrounding the winery.
We headed back to the winery for a tour through the cellars and a tasting of the Monteraponi’s three flagship Chiantis. Our favorite thing about these wines is how elegant and balanced they are, and how expressive they are of the rocky soil on the estate (especially the Chianti Classico DOCG). According to Ceri, “Monteraponi is synonymous with the beauty of what Chianti Classico can produce, when handled correctly – unlike so many others in the market today – they are truly unique.”
We were also excited to hear that they were coming to San Francisco for a tasting (seen here). If you can’t visit and want a little taste of Italy, you can purchase Monteraponi wines online or pick up a bottle at one of Biondivino’s shops.