Panzano in Chianti
There's no doubt about it: Tuscany is a destination of longing for people from all over the world! And right in the middle of it all - halfway between Florence and Siena, in the heart of Chianti Classico - lies the village of Panzano in Chianti. At first glance, it looks like a typical Tuscan village: a church, a piazza, a café, a few small restaurants and stores. But if you look a little closer, you will discover many charming features, exciting people and, of course, great winegrowers and wines.
Wineries in Panzano in Chianti
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Casaloste
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Fattoria di Rignana
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Fontodi
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Il Molino di Grace
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Il Palagio di Panzano
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Le Cinciole
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Le Fonti Panzano
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Monte Bernardi
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Tenuta degli Dei Cavalli
The golden valley of Panzano
The golden valley of Panzano - the so-called Conca d'Oro - stretches in the shape of a shell below the village and is golden soil for top-quality wines! Thanks to the special shape of the landscape, the conditions here are ideal for growing wine. But the sites at the back of the valley are also becoming increasingly important, especially in times of global warming. Because where the vines are not so exposed to the heat, the grapes have more time to ripen in peace.
In the world of Gallo Nero
The main act in terms of enjoyment in Panzano is the "vino rosso" - the red wine! First and foremost: Chianti Classico in its three quality levels as Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. All three are linked to strict production conditions. All three are marked with the Gallo Nero - the black rooster. Of course, there are also fruity white wines and rosati, fine "Super Tuscans", heavenly Vin Santo and not forgetting the Olio di Oliva extra vergine. All top products of the highest quality from the world of Gallo Nero!
Unione Viticoltori di Panzano
The "Unione Viticoltori di Panzano" is an association of 22 winegrowers from Panzano in Chianti. It was founded in 1995 with the common goal of maintaining and improving the quality of the wines. For example, through sustainable and organic viticulture. The exchange of experience and knowledge, the opportunity to present a united front to the outside world and the friendships that have developed make the Unione a strong association in Chianti Classico.
Panzano sostenibile
Giovanni d' Orsi, owner of the Casaloste winery, is president of the "Unione Viticoltori di Panzano". He represents the interests of the members of the Unione to the outside world. One of his main concerns is to keep agriculture in the region organic and sustainable - i.e. sostenibile. The winegrowers know that the quality of their products ultimately depends on the well-being of nature. They know that the "Panzano sostenibile" project is crucial for their future.
Organic district no. 1 in Italy
Sustainable thinking has therefore fallen on "fertile ground" in Panzano: The majority of the wineries are certified organic. Some go one step further and even work biodynamically. The switch to "organic" is also supported by the "Stazione Sperimentale per la Viticoltura" - "SPEVIS" for short- with technical means. All these measures have led to Panzano being described in the international wine press as "Italy's first organic district".
The wine festival
The annual wine festival "Vino al Vino" in the piazza of Panzano in Chianti is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the wine year. The Unione winegrowers organize this event every year on the third weekend in September. The "entrance fee" is the purchase of a Vino al Vino glass directly in the piazza. With this glass, visitors can taste the wines of the Unione winegrowers over a total of four days, including many renowned and excellent wines. This family gathering of around 20 wineries was recently named one of the "Top Five" wine festivals in the world by the New York Times!
Panzano & Nina in Chianti
This website is called "Nina in Chianti" - and that's no coincidence. After all, I spend around two months of the year in Panzano. On the one hand, of course, because I simply love being here, but of course also to visit "my winemakers". To find out more from them - about the new vintages and everything that's going on in the cellar and vineyard. And many of them have become my friends over the years.
Dario Cecchini
Dario Checchini is probably the most famous resident of Panzano - partly because he is part of the Netflix documentary series Chef's Table, in which top restaurateurs from all over the world present their kitchen concepts. His Antica Macelleria Cecchini is not just a butcher's shop, but also a restaurant with three food concepts: the Officina della Bistecca serves the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina, while the Solociccia serves "meat only". And for some time now, the food truck "Cecchini Panini", always at lunchtime at Panzano's "Gallo Nero".
Enoteca Baldi
The heart of Panzano in Chianti beats in the piazza! Here you will find everything you need for a good life. And that includes Mimmo's Enoteca Baldi. People meet here for a portion of pasta and a glass of wine at lunchtime and for an aperitif or dinner in the evening. The huge wine list is legendary. Whether at a table under the trees, inside at the bar or at one of the tables - you can simply have a good time here!
For today's podcast episode, I'm visiting the Fattoria e Villa di Rignana winery in Panzano in Chianti and Cosimo Gericke, the owner, is sitting by my side.