Gagliole Pecchia Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT

Gagliole Pecchia IGT

The Pecchia Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT: a Sangiovese rarity in the pure culture

The Pecchia Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT is a hundred per cent "Panzanese" - because the grapes for it come from the vineyards that form the northwestern edge of the famous Conca d’Oro, above La Valletta, at an altitude of 500 meters. The Pecchia is a Sangiovese in pure culture! Another fact that makes this wine so special is the use of the "Vinificazione Integrale". This special vinification method was developed in 2002 by France’s oldest cooperage - Tonnellerie Baron. The grapes are first gently destemmed, afterwards sorted carefully on a vibrating line and then directly transferred to the special barrique barrel. All fermentation processes take place here. And the barrels are turned several times a day to ensure constant contact between the juice, peel, seeds and barrel. In contrast to conventional vinification methods because  the temperature in the barrel is lower and very constant. The Pecchia - by the way an old Tuscan term for bee - remains for at least 18 months in the barrique and then at least another year in the bottle. The aim of this method is to strengthen the body, the density and the complexity of the wine. And it seems to work great having done that after the first trial in Gagliole in 2011, another 25 of these special barrels were purchased in 2013. However this kind of vinification method is only used in the very best years . This is why the Pecchia is an absolute rarity: for example in 2013 only 946 bottles were produced. So make sure to buy a bottle or even more, but give this wine up to ten years in order to be rewarded with the most beautiful drinking pleasure!

From light white wine to red top wines

White wines are rather a rare affair in Chianti. It is therefore all the more surprising that Gagliole has two white wines in its range: namely the Biancolo and the Il Bianco. The Biancolo is the lighter of the two whites, well chilled an ideal companion through a warm summer evening but also for light starters. The Il Bianco, a blend made from the Chardonnay, Malvasia and Procanico grape varieties, has more body and strength. But the main actors in the assortment are without doubt and typical for Tuscany the red wines. The basis of the assortment is the classic Chianti Classico with the name Rubiolo - a homage to the many roses on Gagliole and La Valletta. In addition comes the Valletta Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT which is made 50:50 from Sangiovese and Merlot, then the Gagliole Toscana IGT, a blend from 90 per cent Sangiovese and 10 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon. And without doubt the top wine of the winery is the Pecchia Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, which is produced 100 per cent from Sangiovese grapes from Panzano under the "Vinificazione Integrale" method. The product range is rounded off by an Olio Extra Vergine pressed from Frantoio, Leccino and Moraiolo olives - naturally cold-pressed.

Antico Podere Gagliole in Castellina: an Italian piece of paradise

In 1990, the Swiss Bär-Bettschart family bought the Antico Podere Gagliole winery, located in Castellina in the heart of Chianti Classico. And how does a Swiss man decide to buy an Italian vineyard? That is easy to explain: Monika spent her holidays in Castellina at a young age and fell in love with this little corner of the world even before she met Thomas… Only after their marriage did they acquire Gagliole. The family still lives in Zurich, but its "heart" beats in Tuscany. In the beginning the vineyards were leased to the surrounding wineries. It was only about ten years ago that the idea of pressing and selling wine under the symbols of the family - compasses and balance beams - was put into practice. In 2011 Thomas Bär bought La Valletta, another winery. This ten hectare property is located in Panzano in Chianti. As a result, Gagliole now has a total of 20 hectares of land, all of which are managed sustainably.

Gagliole in Castellina & La Valletta in Panzano: two wine worlds at the highest level

Ten of the 20 hectares of land cultivated by Gagliole are located around the Castellina estate itself. Here it is the terraced vineyards that immediately catch the visitor’s eye. In between, olive trees provide the vines with cooling shade and constant winds ensure good ventilation. And also rose bushes can be found again and again in the vineyard. This is not only beautiful but also creates an ecological balance. In the Galestro soil, which consists of loose layers of rock, the vines can root deeper. The result: mineral-elegant wines. Another ten hectares of vineyards are located on the north-western edge of the famous Conca d’Oro in Panzano. This valley is known for its microclimate, which is particularly suitable for viticulture. The vineyards of La Valletta are exposed to the sun almost all day long and at the same time are surrounded by cool winds - the perfect conditions for the two to forty-five year old vines. The loamy soil, which is interspersed with many stones, provides the structure and strength of the wines. And another secret tip: at the luxury Bed & Breakfast La Valletta you can spend unforgettable holidays - and don`t forget to ask for the rose jam!