Podere Capaccia in Radda in Chianti
Nina in Chianti with Alyson Morgan in the vineyards of Podere Capaccia
In a small valley, not far from the medieval town of Radda in Chianti, lies a small, almost hidden treasure of Chianti Classico: Podere Capaccia. The same valley is home to some of the great names of Chianti Classico, such as Montevertine, Carleone and Castello d'Albola. Piero Lanza's Poggerino winery, which has been in my online store for several years now, is also very close by, on the opposite hill, so to speak. When you reach the end of the valley, you have to climb quite steeply up a narrow gravel road, a "strada bianca". And if you think: "I'm in the wrong place...", then you've come to the right place! This Chianti treasure, the wines of the Podere Capaccia winery, are now also available to buy at NinainChianti.com.
Radda in Chianti
On an information website about Tuscany you can read: "If Greve is the commercial brain of Chianti, then Radda is its soul." And Radda is a very special place for me too! Archaeological finds prove that the town center was already inhabited around 2,000 BC and was probably settled by the Etruscans in the 1st millennium BC. However, it is not just the town itself, but also the surrounding wine region that breathes history.
View from Podere Capaccia to Radda in Chianti
Just like the Podere Capaccia estate, which is located just a few kilometers from Radda, high up on a hill at the end of a small valley lined with vineyards. The history of the hamlet goes way back to the Middle Ages. After many eventful years in which the once magnificent farmstead belonged to noble Florentines, during which it fell into disrepair for decades and finally produced the great Capaccia Querciagrande, which was mentioned in the same breath as the Supertuscans of the 1990s, the vineyard has belonged to the Belgian Herman de Bode since 2010. His aim is to breathe new life not only into the buildings, some of which have fallen into disrepair, but also into the historic vineyards. Together with oenologist Alyson Morgan from California and Donato Alvino, who has been working at Capaccia for almost 20 years, wine of the very highest quality has been produced here again since 2012.
Alyson Morgan from Podere Capaccia is responsible for the estate's wines
The range: so small, but so big!
I select my range of wines from Chianti Classico wineries very carefully. It is important to me to find a certain consistency in the quality of a winery, vintage fluctuations are completely natural and also desired by me. But who benefits if one vintage is outstandingly good and others are only average. I have to understand and like the philosophy behind the wine production of the owners or winemakers. Everything should feel coherent, the wines should express the place where they have grown and matured. Then the wines get the "seal" from me: Verified by Nina.
Podere Capaccia had all the factors that were important to me. I was able to meet Alyson, who is responsible for Capaccia's wines, a few years ago at the Chianti Classico Collection in Florence and taste her wines. Immediately there were "call signs" in my head - and in my tasting notes. The next vintages from Podere Capaccia also made a positive impression on me at tastings and trade fairs. The pandemic has delayed a visit to Capaccia and its inclusion in my range, so I am now all the happier to be able to proudly present the wines from Podere Capaccia in my online store - and to share them with all friends of Chianti Classico.
Chianti Classico from Podere Capaccia in a glass
The four hectares of vineyards at Podere Capaccia, three of which are currently under cultivation, offer the ideal conditions for viticulture. Sandstone, limestone and slate are found in the soil structure, into which the roots of the vines can penetrate deeply. The ideal microclimate, the southern exposure of the vineyards and the average altitude of 550 meters above sea level allow the grapes to ripen perfectly. Considerable temperature differences between day and night ensure fruity wines with elegant acidity and good tannin structure.
Three wines are currently produced at Podere Capaccia: the Chianti Classico and the Chianti Classico Riserva are two 100% Sangiovese wines in the range. Typical of Radda in Chianti, both wines are precise and elegant. Number three in the Capaccia range is an IGT, the Toscano Rosso, which is made from 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Sangiovese.
Red wines from Podere Capaccia: Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva and Capaccia IGT
The red wines from Capaccia show typical fruit aromas such as cherries, plums and dark berries, but also spicy aromas reminiscent of pepper and juniper. The good structure shows that the wines have a strong character, caressed by an elegant acidity, as befits Sangiovese. Every sip of Capaccia IGT makes me wish I had a piece of tender pink roasted fillet of venison to go with it. It doesn't get any better than this! Deep, dark and spicy aromas, with an elegant structure and a touch of Radda. All in all, three reds that Chianti Classico lovers should definitely try!
If you take a look at the Podere Capaccia logo, you will see a stylized street and six houses. And that's exactly what Podere Capaccia is! Six buildings that were built in the 12th and 14th centuries and together formed a "podere" - a medieval hamlet. And still do! Even if some of the buildings are very dilapidated or almost non-existent. Still. But the owner of the estate, the Belgian Herman de Bode, is in the process of renovating the historic buildings bit by bit and breathing new life into them.
Ageing cellar of Podere Capaccia
You can find more information about the varied history of Capaccia, the famous Supertuscan Querciagrande that was once produced here and, of course, the vineyards, vines and wines directly at www.ninainchianti.com! And of course the wines!