Vignamaggio Chianti Classico
- Region
- Italy
- Owner
- Gianni Nunziante
- Size
- 52 hectare
- Established
- 1404
- Grower Website
- Visit grower's website
The Villa of Vignamaggio, surrounded by an elegant Italian garden in a stunningly beautiful corner of the Chianti countryside, offers an authentic testimony of country life during the Renaisance period. The main part of the villa dates back to the 14th century.
Mona Lisa, the daughter of Anton Maria Gherardini, was born at Vignamaggio in 1479. The Gherardini were a noble family in Tuscany, probably of Etruscan or Roman origin. They began to construct their castle at Montagliari on a hill dominating the Greve river valley. From this position the Gherardini often robbed the merchants on their way to Florence, who in 1302 finally decided to put an end to these episodes and besieged the castle. After a long hard battle the Gherardini moved to the other side of the valley at Vignamaggio where they built the first part of the villa.
The estate was bought in 1925 by Contessa Elena Samminiatelli, whose family restored the Italian gardens and the villa. Since 1988 Mr. Gianni Nunziante the new owner has undertaken an extensive renovation of the buildings, the gardens, the vineyards and the wine cellars. Research carried out at the Datini archives in Prato has brought to light a number of documents relating to Vignamaggio. One of these, in particular, dated 26 October 1404, consists of a letter to Francesco Datini signed by Amido Gherardini, at that time the owner of the estate, which talks about
"vino inbotato a Vignamag(i)o"
(literally "wine placed in barrels at Vignamaggio"). For this reason, in 2004 the estate celebrated six hundred years of winemaking.
Photo Gallery
Wines Available
Chianti Classico
Origin: Chianti Classico, Italy
The wine is aged in oak barrels and barriques which are situated inside the fifteenth century cellars. The structure of the Vignamaggio cellars, which respects traditional canons, offers ideal conditions for maturing wines in a totally natural way; in fact, the temperature and environmental humidity are not controlled. Inside the cellar, temperatures range between 12 and 17 degrees all year round and the humidity fluctuates between 78 and 90%. The latter is also regulated by the bare rock wall on the side of the Italian-style garden.
In short, the cellar is a micro-cosmos where every physical, chemical and even human component contributes to the high quality of Vignamaggio’s wines.
Vinification
Harvesting is done in the first ten days of October. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 10-12 days at a controlled temperature of 27 - 28 °C. Malolactic fermentation occurs.
- Grape Variety
- Sangiovese 100%
- Alcohol by Volume
- 14.0% ABV
- Wine Style
- Red Wines
- Closure
- Cork
Winemaker's Notes
Ruby red in colour with fruity, rich and pleasant aromas. Fresh, silky and well-balanced in the mouth.
Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Monna Lisa
Origin: Chianti Classico, Italy
Vignamaggio is traditionally the birthplace of Monna Lisa Gherardini, the “Gioconda” painted by Leonardo da Vinci. This wine is dedicated to this noblewoman in his portrait.
Vinification
The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is only produced in the best vintage years, with grapes from the farm’s prime south west grape growing areas. It is a blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the first ten days of October, the grapes destined for this wine are carefully sorted, first in the vineyard and then on sorting belts in the cellar. The juice remains on the skins for 16-18 days after which racking takes place. Once malolactic fermentation has occurred, the wine is aged, first in small French oak barrels for 18-20 months and then in larger barrels. The minimum aging period is 30 months, at least 3 of which are in the bottle.
- Grape Variety
- Sangiovese 85%, Merlot 15%
- Alcohol by Volume
- 14.0% ABV
- Wine Style
- Red Wines
- Closure
- Cork
Winemaker's Notes
The wine is a deep ruby red colour. The aroma is very intense, persistent, delicate and full-bodied, with hints of oak and berries. a full, long, warm mouth feel.
Available Vintages & Format
| SKU | Description | Format | Vintage | Availability | Trade Price | Stock (Cases) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B2201531 | CHIANTI Clas Riserva M Lisa 07 | Bottle (75cl) | 2007 | Trade only | - | - |
This is not a formal quotation. Prices shown are per bottle (size as indicated) DPD excluding VAT. All wines are sold subject to our Terms and Conditions of Sale.
Stock reported in cases of 12 bottles, 24 halves, 6 magnums (all 9L). Oversize bottles in single units.
Grappa Vignamaggio 50cl
Origin: Chianti Classico, Italy
The grappa is a product of Vignamaggio’s best fermented Chianti Classico grape pomace and is obtained via a process of discontinuous-cycle steam distillation, in an old copper alambic distiller. The grappa remains in small oak barrels for at least 12 months. The resulting alcohol grading is 40°.
- Grape Variety
- Sangiovese 5%
- Alcohol by Volume
- 40.0% ABV
- Wine Style
- Spirits & Liquors
- Closure
- Cork
Winemaker's Notes
The Grappa has an amber colour, a full aroma with hints of wood and nuts and a smooth, delicate, harmonious flavour.
Available Vintages & Format
| SKU | Description | Format | Vintage | Availability | Trade Price | Stock (Cases) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2201630 | GRAPPA Vignamaggio 40% 50cl | 50CL (50cl) | NV | Trade only | - | - |
This is not a formal quotation. Prices shown are per bottle (size as indicated) DPD excluding VAT. All wines are sold subject to our Terms and Conditions of Sale.
Stock reported in cases of 12 bottles, 24 halves, 6 magnums (all 9L). Oversize bottles in single units.
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Anthony Byrne Fine Wines Ltd. Registered in England and Wales with company number 01713692.
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Registered office: Ramsey Business Park, Stocking Fen Road, Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, PE26 2UR.