Il Palagio di Panzano Chianti Classico DOCG

Il Palagio di Panzano Chianti Classico DOCG

A light and typical red wine from Tuscany

Many hands are required when it is time for the grape harvest in Il Palagio (depending on the weather between mid-September and early October) then the harvest begins of the Sangiovese grapes for the Chianti Classico from Monia and Franco Piccini. Since the 2014 vintage they have been producing Chianti Classico only from this autochthonous grape variety. In previous years, five per cent of the international Merlot grape variety was still present. The grapes are selected right in the vineyard, so that only the best fruit reaches the cellar right from the start. The alcoholic fermentation and the biological acid degradation - also called malolactic fermentation - take place in stainless steel tanks, in which the mash ferments for about two weeks at a temperature of approximately 28 degrees. The wine is then placed in oak barrels with a capacity of 1,000 litres -  by the way this size is not often found in Chianti Classico. The red wine is then allowed to remain in wooden barrels for at least twelve months before being bottled. In the bottle it is left to mature for at least three more months. The result is a typical Chianti Classico from Panzano - a real "Gallo Nero": with a fruity body, fine, unobtrusive tannins and a pleasant acidity. Simply fun in a glass that goes perfectly with pasta or other typical Tuscan delicacies. It is best to prepare more than just a bottle for a meal… Buonissimo!

Il Palagio di Panzano: a family business in the middle of Chianti Classico

A few years ago Monia Piccini took over the Il Palagio di Panzano winery from her father. It is located in the middle of Chianti Classico, just a few kilometres from Greve in Chianti. Monia and her husband Franco are what we call real Panzanesi - because they do not just live and work in Panzano, but they were also born and raised here. And they know exactly what they want: quality, quality and again quality. And the basis for the best quality in the glass is, of course, the approximately eight hectares of vineyards, which extend over top locations in the famous Conca d’Oro, in the golden valley of Panzano. This special geographical location ensures a warm, sunny climate during the days and a cooler night. Not only we humans like that, but also the Sangiovese vines, the leading variety of Il Palagio di Panzano. Only very little Merlot still grows on Il Palagio, otherwise the Sangiovese grape has been fully dedicated. With great success!

Organic viticulture and sustainable management

Around the small town of Panzano, to which the Il Palagio di Panzano also belongs, the "organic-district of Italy" has emerged in recent years. More than two decades ago, the winegrowers formed the Unione di Viticoltori di Panzano. One of the objectives of the Unione is the organic management of the wineries. With the 2013 vintage the Piccinis received the official organic certification for their cultivated areas. Since 2007, when they took over the winery from Monia’s father, they have attached great importance to sustainable management. Both are convinced that only that way is possible to achieve a perfect symbiosis of quality and durability. And so the two "Panzanesi" produce excellent red wines: a light Chianti Classico, a noble Chianti Classico Riserva, an excellent Gran Selezione with the name "Le Bambole", the fruity, fresh Rosato, the simple Ignobile and the elegant Torgentile. In addition to the wine, Il Palagio’s range also includes a strong olive oil.

Tuscany dream vacation in the Azienda Agricola Il Palagio di Panzano

Monia Piccini runs the winery and the Agriturismo Azienda Agricola Il Palagio di Panzano in the Chianti Classico, the oldest wine-growing region in the world, which is equipped with enchanting rooms and apartments and makes your dream holiday in Tuscany come true. The interior of the rooms bears Franco’s signature for the most part. As a trained restorer, he helped giving the antique Tuscan furniture a new splendour which can be found in every room. In the medieval estate with its many corners, hidden squares and courtyards, with its numerous terraces and its enchanted garden, the two of them accommodate guests from all over the world in a family atmosphere. The pool directly in front of the house offers a fabulous view of the Conca d’Oro, the golden valley of Panzano, and the surrounding vineyards of Il Palagio.