Panzano in Chianti is the vibrant epicenter of a quality revolution in Italian wine. Nestled between Florence and Siena, this small territory has cultivated a reputation for producing some of the most profound and expressive wines in the Chianti Classico region. The annual “Vino al vino” festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with the producers and taste the very soul of this remarkable land, a place where tradition and innovation are in constant, dynamic dialogue.

The geological significance of this area cannot be overstated. The soils are predominantly galestro, a friable, rocky marl and clay schist that imparts profound structure, minerality, and longevity to the wines. This is complemented by pockets of alberese (a hard limestone) and some pietraforte (sandstone), creating a complex geological mosaic that contributes to the nuance and character of the final product. The unique combination of soil, high altitude, and southern exposure allows the Sangiovese grape to achieve optimal ripeness while retaining the vibrant acidity that is the hallmark of great Chianti Classico.

Panzano holds the unique distinction of being Italy’s first official wine distretto biologico (organic district), a testament to a collective ethos that transcends individual winery practices. For the vintners of Panzano, sustainable, organic, and often biodynamic farming is the established standard, not a niche exception. This shared philosophy is more than an agricultural methodology; it is a deep-rooted, community-wide respect for the land that is causally linked to the celebrated quality of the region’s wines.

This collective commitment fosters a collaborative environment and a unified message that elevates the entire region. The result is evident in the glass: wines of exceptional purity, transparency, and vitality. The organic approach allows the terroir of the Conca d’Oro to speak with unparalleled clarity, unmasked by synthetic treatments, resulting in wines that are a true and vibrant expression of their origin.

The two faces of greatness: Sangiovese vs. Super Tuscans

The winemaking narrative of Panzano is defined by a compelling duality. On one side are the traditionalists, devoted to perfecting the native Sangiovese grape within the rigorous framework of the Chianti Classico DOCG—from the vibrant Annata to the complex Riserva and the elite, estate-grown Gran Selezione. On the other are the pioneers and rebels, who use the greater freedom of the IGT Toscana designation to craft iconic “Super Tuscans.” These iconoclastic wines either feature international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot or present a 100% Sangiovese that intentionally steps outside DOCG regulations to achieve a specific stylistic vision. This tension between honoring tradition and boldly redefining it is what makes Panzano one of the most exciting wine regions in the world.

The signatures of Panzano’s Vino al vino 2025: a guide to the attending wineries

The following is an alphabetical guide to the producers participating in the 2025 “Vino al vino” festival. Each entry offers a concise overview of the winery’s philosophy and a detailed look at three wines from my selection of its most significant bottles, providing a roadmap for navigating the tasting tables.

Cafaggio

Overview: A historic estate located in the prestigious Conca d’Oro, Basilica Cafaggio is a pillar of classic Panzano production. Their portfolio is a masterclass in the Chianti Classico hierarchy, culminating in terroir-specific Gran Selezione bottlings that express the unique character of their vineyards.

Featured wines:

• Basilica Solatìo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: As the apex of their 100% Sangiovese production, this wine is a pure expression of the prime Solatìo vineyard, showcasing the estate’s finest terroir within the official DOCG framework. Its profile is one of structure and vibrancy, with a complex nose of sweet black cherry and plum, accented by leather, earth, and black pepper. The palate is solidly built yet energetic, with a crisp, mouthwatering acidity carrying through to a long finish that echoes with fruit and savory mineral notes.
• Basilica San Martino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: Formerly a Riserva, this wine’s elevation to Gran Selezione highlights its exceptional quality. It incorporates Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting a more modern, powerful, and internationally-styled interpretation of a Panzano cru. It is a powerful, savory red defined by depth, presenting aromas of dark cherry, damson, and cassis mingled with licorice, mocha, and savory herbs. The palate is full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and a juicy texture, resolving in a long finish marked by notes of iron, tobacco, and chalky minerality.
• Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: The estate’s benchmark Riserva is aged traditionally in large Slavonian oak barrels, representing the historical heart of their production. It is a quintessential expression of aged Sangiovese from the Conca d’Oro. The bouquet is dominated by mature notes of black bilberries and ripe cherries. The palate is concentrated and intense, with a signature silky texture, fine tannins, and complex flavors of nutty fruit and a hint of bitter chocolate on a persistent finish.

Candialle

Overview: A boutique, certified organic estate defined by elegance and purity. Jarkko and Josephin Peränen are known for meticulous, regenerative farming and a forward-thinking cellar approach, including high-density alberello-trained vines and the pioneering use of ceramic orbs (Clayver) for aging.

Featured wines:

• Pli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: The estate’s top designation within the Chianti Classico appellation, sourced from their finest Sangiovese parcels. It represents the ultimate expression of their terroir-driven, organic philosophy. A complex and age-worthy wine, its profile is rich with ripe black cherry, sour plum, and dried fig, layered with balsamic, tobacco, and spicy notes of pepper and chocolate. The texture is substantial yet elegant, with pronounced acidity and firm, well-integrated tannins that promise a long evolution.
• Chianti Classico ‘La Misse di Candialle’ DOCG: Their benchmark Chianti Classico, co-fermented in unlined concrete and often released with enough age to be a Riserva. It is a pure, fresh, and authentic expression of their high-altitude vineyards. This wine offers fresh aromas of cherry and plum intertwined with savory and spicy undertones. The palate is defined by its vibrant acidity and fine texture, a result of long, gentle macerations. It is a beautifully structured wine that remains wonderfully fresh and expressive.
• Ciclope IGT Toscana: Candialle’s Super Tuscan blend, showcasing their ability to craft a nuanced wine from international varieties (primarily Merlot, with Petit Verdot and others). It demonstrates the estate’s versatility and the adaptability of Panzano’s terroir. An earthy and elegant red blend, the nose reveals mature dark berries, vanilla, and spice. Despite the Bordeaux grapes, the wine is lithe and food-friendly, with a medium-to-full body, well-integrated tannins, and a distinctive rustic finish with notes of wet stone and earth.

Casaloste

Overview: A family-run, certified organic winery dedicated to producing authentic expressions of the Panzano terroir. Their portfolio is a compelling dialogue between traditional Sangiovese wines and powerful, Merlot-driven Super Tuscans.

Featured wines:

• Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: The estate’s highest DOCG expression, typically 100% Sangiovese from their best vineyard sites. This wine is the ultimate testament to their belief in the greatness of Sangiovese in Panzano. Elegant and velvety, the nose presents a beautifully balanced bouquet of ripe red fruits like plum and maraschino cherry, intricately woven with spicy notes of sweet tobacco, licorice, and a balsamic finish. The palate is plush and supported by fine yet firm tannins, suggesting excellent aging potential, and concludes with a persistent, characteristic note of bitter chocolate.
• Inversus IGT Toscana: A bold and limited-production Super Tuscan that champions Merlot (often 90% or more), demonstrating the remarkable suitability of Panzano’s terroir for this noble Bordeaux variety. Deep, rich, and multi-layered, the nose is vividly savory, with notes of rich cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant, accented by pepper and clove. The palate is compact and dense with a distinct saline minerality and a long, powerful finish.
• Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: The winery’s benchmark Riserva, crafted from a selection of the best Sangiovese grapes. It is designed to express the power of their terroir while respecting the unique character of each vintage. The nose harmoniously blends fruity Sangiovese aromas of blackberry and ripe plum with elegant notes of leather and spice from wood aging. On the palate, it is velvety and well-structured, with an excellent balance between bright acidity and sweet, mature tannins.

Castello dei Rampolla

Overview: An iconic estate and a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in Panzano. Under the influence of Alceo di Napoli and with the guidance of legendary enologist Giacomo Tachis, Rampolla was instrumental in the Super Tuscan movement, gaining cult status for its powerful, age-worthy Bordeaux blends alongside its classic Chianti.

Featured wines:

• d’Alceo IGT Toscana: The estate’s top wine and one of Italy’s most revered collectibles. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, it is a monumental wine of power, elegance, and longevity. It reveals an inky, dark appearance with a robust nose of dried blackberry, cassis, rum cake, and kirsch. The palate is powerful yet feels weightless, with finely textured, silky tannins and complex layers of dark fruit, graphite, cedar, tobacco, and spice that unfold into a long, transporting finish.
• Sammarco IGT Toscana: The original Super Tuscan from Rampolla, first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in the region. It is a testament to the estate’s visionary approach and the exceptional quality of Panzano’s terroir for Bordeaux varieties. This wine delivers beautiful intensity with sharp black fruits, kirsch, and dark chocolate, backed by a mineral note of iron ore. The palate is full-bodied with velvety, chewy tannins and a creamy, resonant finish graced with notes of crushed flowers, spice, and blood orange.
• Chianti Classico DOCG: The foundation of the estate, this wine is a pure and traditional expression of their biodynamically farmed vineyards. It is a benchmark for high-quality, terroir-driven Chianti Classico. It has a bright ruby red color and an intense bouquet of rich cherry and red berry aromas with leafy undertones. The palate is silky and balanced, with a medium body, refined tannins, and a long, flavorful finish of blackberry and chocolate.

Cennatoio

Overview: A certified organic winery that excels in producing structured, powerful wines from Sangiovese Grosso, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Their style is bold, leveraging the rocky galestro soils to create wines with depth and character, particularly in their Super Tuscan offerings.

Featured wines:

• Etrusco IGT Toscana: A powerful Super Tuscan made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso. It showcases the grape’s capacity for richness and complexity when treated with an international approach to winemaking. The wine is an intense ruby red with a large, persistent bouquet of ripe raspberry, young cherry, leather, vanilla, cocoa, and licorice. The palate is velvety and harmonious with a great body, excellent balance, and tight, grippy tannins that lead to a juicy, driven finish.
• Rosso Fiorentino IGT Toscana: A classic Super Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese that highlights the synergy between the two grapes on Cennatoio’s terroir. Deep ruby red with purple hints, it has a pervasive and intense bouquet with vegetal, spicy, and balsamic notes alongside cassis and plum. The mouthfeel is soft and round, yet extremely persistent, with a well-structured body and a savory character.
• O’Leandro Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: The estate’s top expression within the DOCG, a rich and traditional Sangiovese-based wine built for aging. This wine has a dark ruby color and an intense, harmonious nose of blackberries, cinnamon, vanilla, and cocoa. The taste is rich and dry, with high acidity, dense tannins, and a long, full-bodied finish with hints of tobacco.

Fattoria di Rignana

Overview: A historic, certified organic estate producing classic, terroir-driven wines. Now run by Cosimo Gericke, the winery focuses on expressing the unique qualities of its high-altitude vineyards, which sit on stony, calcareous galestro soils.

Featured wines:

• Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: The pinnacle of Rignana’s production, this is a 100% Sangiovese from a single vineyard, representing the purest expression of their terroir. A wine where fruit and spice, elegance and structure are wonderfully packaged. It offers aromas of ripe red fruit, leather, and licorice, supported by a mineral depth. The palate is fresh and elegant, with polished, fine tannins, notes of crunchy black cherries, and a long, harmonious finish.
• Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: A finely structured and versatile Riserva that showcases the estate’s house style. It is a wine known for its great drinking pleasure and good aging potential. It has a deep red color with a nose of red fruit and spicy, balsamic aromas. The taste is soft and persistent, with a firm acid structure and tannins that are in balance with the concentrated wild berry fruit, making it a great partner for game and aged cheeses.
• Chianti Classico DOCG: The estate’s benchmark Annata, a blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo that is a typical and pleasing expression of the region. It has an intense ruby red color with aromas of fruit and violets. The palate is soft and fresh, with well-integrated tannins and good flavor on the finish. It is fruity, rich in mineral salts, and reflects the classic style of Chianti Classico.

Fattoria La Quercia

Overview: A family estate in Panzano since 1935, Fattoria La Quercia produces traditional Chianti Classico and olive oil. In recent years, they have introduced a modern, sophisticated IGT wine, signaling an evolution in their style while remaining rooted in the Petriolo valley. Note: This is Fattoria La Quercia of Panzano, not to be confused with the similarly named winery in Abruzzo.

Featured wines:

• Rinascita IGT Toscana: The estate’s modern, elegant, and sophisticated “rebirth” wine. This is a powerful expression intended for cellaring or pairing with robust dishes. It is a dry red with an intense ruby color and violet reflections. The nose offers a spicy bouquet, while the palate is defined by a robust structure and appreciable astringency. It is considered a “meditation wine” and pairs well with red meats, wild boar, and strong cheeses.
• Il Chellino Chianti Classico DOCG: The traditional heart of the estate’s production, a classic blend that reflects the history of the property and the region. A blend of 85% Sangiovese with Merlot and Cabernet, it has a ruby red color and a rich floral bouquet with scents of violet. The taste is slightly tannic and pairs perfectly with traditional Tuscan cooking and grilled red meat.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: While not a wine, the estate’s olive oil is a core part of its identity and production, made according to old traditions and representing the agricultural soul of the farm. It is an essential taste of the Tuscan countryside.

Felciano

Overview: A small, family-run organic farm in Panzano that produces classic Chianti Classico wines, olive oil, and saffron. Their approach is traditional and hands-on, focused on expressing the authentic character of their land.

Featured wines:

• Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: A 100% Sangiovese wine aged for approximately 15 months in Italian chestnut tonneaux, showcasing a traditional and complex style. It is an intense ruby red, with a warm, soft nose of black cherry, raspberry, fig, vanilla, tobacco, and leather. The palate has a full, soft attack with elegant, fine, and round tannins, leading to a long and smooth finish.
• Chianti Classico DOCG: The estate’s foundational wine, offering a pure and direct expression of Panzano Sangiovese. This wine has an intense ruby red color with a nose that can show warm notes of cherries and prunes alongside earthy, animal tones. The palate is hearty with earthy tannins, a core of fruit, and a soft finish with notes of fresh wood and almond.
• L’annacquato di Bruno IGT Toscana Rosato: A fresh and aromatic rosé made from Sangiovese, representing the lighter side of Panzano’s terroir. While specific tasting notes are limited, a Sangiovese rosé from this region would typically exhibit bright red fruit flavors (strawberry, cherry), crisp acidity, and a savory, mineral-driven finish.

Fontodi

Overview: Widely regarded as one of the flagships of Chianti Classico, Fontodi is a certified organic estate situated in the heart of the Conca d’Oro. Under the stewardship of Giovanni Manetti, the winery produces benchmark wines, from their iconic Chianti Classico to the world-renowned 100% Sangiovese Super Tuscan, Flaccianello.

Featured wines:

• Flaccianello della Pieve IGT Colli della Toscana Centrale: One of the original and most famous pure Sangiovese Super Tuscans. Made from the best selection of grapes across the estate, it is a monumental wine of depth, power, and elegance. It reveals a deep ruby hue and a complex nose of ripe black cherries, plums, violets, dried herbs, and exotic spices. With time, undertones of tobacco, leather, and cedar emerge. The palate is full-bodied, impeccably balanced with fine-grained tannins, concentrated fruit, dark chocolate, and mineral nuances on a long, persistent finish.
• Vigna del Sorbo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: A single-vineyard 100% Sangiovese that embodies the power and structure of its specific terroir. It is a profound, age-worthy wine that stands as a benchmark for the Gran Selezione category. The nose is expressive with pure cherry and black fruit, layered with woody herbs, tomato leaf, earth, and spice. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, with a fine tannic structure, great freshness, and a very long, savory finish.
• Chianti Classico DOCG: Often called the “little brother of Flaccianello,” this is arguably one of the most consistently excellent Chianti Classicos produced. Made from 100% Sangiovese, it over-delivers on quality and complexity for its category. It exudes aromas of dark red cherry, leather, spice, rose petal, and wild herbs. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of Panzano richness, but also gorgeous refinement and energy, with succulent tannins and a bright, tangy finish that echoes with spice, flowers, and blue fruits.

Il Molino di Grace

Overview: Established in the 1990s on vineyards that have been cultivated for centuries, Il Molino di Grace is a certified organic estate known for its elegant, terroir-driven expressions of Sangiovese. Their wines, crafted with consulting enologist Franco Bernabei, consistently achieve high praise for their quality and authenticity.

Featured wines:

• Gratius IGT Toscana: The estate’s top wine, a 100% Sangiovese Super Tuscan made from the oldest vines on the property. It is a powerful and structured expression of their best terroir. This is an elegant and structured red with complex flavors of dark fruit, including blackberry and plum, along with tobacco, spice, and a hint of oak. The wine has a long, smooth finish with velvety tannins, making it an excellent choice for pairing with grilled meats and aged cheeses.
• Il Margone Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: The estate’s highest DOCG designation, a firm and earthy wine that showcases the potential of Panzano Sangiovese for complexity and aging. It offers earthy aromas of leather, tilled soil, blue flower, and mature black fruit with a balsamic note. The firm palate delivers spiced plum, ripe black cherry, menthol, and mocha alongside assertive tannins, requiring time to fully integrate.
• Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: A complex and spicy Riserva that serves as a benchmark for the winery. It is a full, rich, and silky expression of Sangiovese. The nose is very complex, recalling red berries, cherry jam, and white pepper, with abundant earthiness. The palate is full, rich, and silky, with a firm but velvety tannin structure and a juicy, persistent finish with notes of chocolate and dark cardamom.

Il Palagio di Panzano

Overview: A family-run, certified organic estate in the Conca d’Oro, managed by third-generation Panzanesi, Monia and Franco Piccini. They are passionately dedicated to Sangiovese, which is the only grape grown on their property, producing a range of pure, terroir-expressive red wines.

Featured wines:

• Le Bambole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: The estate’s flagship wine, sourced from the single “Vigna delle Bambole” vineyard. It is a pure Sangiovese that represents the pinnacle of their production. This wine is polished and super-sleek, with intense aromas of dark fruit, leather, cigar box, tar, and black olive. The palate is richly compact and concentrated, with lots of red forest fruits, refined, oak-coated tannins, and a long, harmonious aftertaste.
• Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: An elegant 100% Sangiovese Riserva that impresses with its balance and structure. It is a fine expression of the Conca d’Oro’s unique terroir. It shows a bright, intense ruby red color with fine hints of ripe red fruits, particularly cherry, and a unique earthy nose. The palate is fresh with a solid structure of smooth, velvety tannins, good sapidity, and a well-balanced, persistent finish.
• Torgentile IGT Toscana: A unique blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot, showcasing the winery’s ability to craft an elegant and deep wine that marries local and international varieties. The aromas show a mix of berries paired with fine acidity and tannins on the palate. It has a well-structured body and a finish that is deep and characteristic of Panzano.

L’Orcia a Ca’ di Pesa

Overview: A small, boutique winery in the Conca d’Oro focused on producing high-quality wines without compromise. Owners Jonathan Auerbach and Jessika Hegewisch, with winemaker Diego Ciurletti, craft a minimalist line of wines from Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, often using terracotta amphorae for fermentation.

Featured wines:

• Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: A special selection of the estate’s best Sangiovese, fermented in terracotta amphorae and aged for over two years in new French oak. It is a vigorous and engaging wine of great territorial character. It presents a bright ruby color with garnet nuances. The nose is wide and complex, with notes of ripe cherry, violet, spice, and vanilla. The palate is elegant and refined, with an excellent structure, round mouthfeel, and a soft, persistent finish with evolved tannins.
• ‘La Lucertola’ IGT Toscana: The estate’s exciting and imaginative Super Tuscan, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon aged for four years in new French oak. It is an elegant and whimsical wine produced in very limited quantities. It has a vibrant and intense ruby color with aromas dominated by spice and floral notes. The palate is bold yet beautifully delineated, with well-integrated French oak and a long, elegant finish.
• Chianti Classico DOCG: The estate’s benchmark wine, a pure expression of their passion for the terroir of the Conca d’Oro. It is aged for 12 months in a combination of new and used French oak barrels and large casks. This wine has a ruby red color with violet tones and an intensely fruity bouquet. The palate is soft and elegant with a medium body, showing notes of red and dark fruit, soil, and some oak, leading to a persistent and enjoyable finish.

La Massa

Overview: The estate of the outspoken Giampaolo Motta, a “Francophile in Chianti Classico” who famously left the consortium to focus on IGT Bordeaux-style blends. La Massa is a testament to the idea that Panzano’s terroir is exceptionally well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

Featured wines:

• Giorgio Primo IGT Toscana: The estate’s “Gran Vin,” a powerful and complex Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It is an act of love for Bordeaux varieties and represents the highest territorial expression of the winery. This is an etched and polished wine with a nose of crushed currants, dark fruit, spice, graphite, and pencil shavings. The full-bodied palate features creamy, polished tannins, great intensity, and layers of flavor including chocolate, leather, and incense, all leading to a long, complex finish.
• Carla 6 IGT Toscana: A unique and powerful 100% Sangiovese from a single vineyard, created to meet the challenge of taming this unruly grape. It is a modern, fascinating expression of Sangiovese aged in French oak. The wine is deep, fleshy, and super-expressive, with a nose of crushed stone, blueberries, and black cherries. The palate is wide and rich, with succulent dark cherry, cedar, tobacco, and spice, closing with notes of crushed stone and green olive.
• La Massa IGT Toscana: The estate’s entry-level wine and a superb introduction to their philosophy. It is a blend of Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, offering exceptional value and character. This is a generous and deeply layered wine with aromas of ripe berries, plums, and savory baking spices. The palate is a rush of black cherry, licorice, chocolate, and dried herbs, with fine, juicy tannins and a tight, focused finish.

Le Cinciole

Overview: A model organic and biodynamic estate run by Valeria Viganò and Luca Orsini. Their wines are characterized by straightforwardness, precision, and a deep respect for the land. They produce a range of pure Sangiovese wines alongside a powerful blend of international varieties.

Featured wines:

• Petresco IGT Toscana: The crown jewel of Le Cinciole, a 100% Sangiovese Super Tuscan from a special, stony single vineyard at high altitude. It is a monumental wine that rewards patience. Concentrated and powerful, it is carried by silky tannins that blend harmoniously with flavors of wild cherries and a characteristic mineral spice. The complex aroma profile includes dried wild strawberries, plums, cranberries, rosemary, thyme, and cloves, with a deep, intense structure and a long finish.
• Aluigi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: A single-vineyard, 100% Sangiovese that showcases a generous flavor profile from its clay-dense soils. It is a sensual, refined, and age-worthy expression of Panzano. This wine has spicy notes and intense aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and fully ripe cherries, complemented by a fine citrus note of blood orange and black pepper. The palate shows an excellent balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins, with a warm fruit character and subtle minerality.
• Chianti Classico DOCG: The heart of the estate’s range, a 100% Sangiovese aged in traditional large oak barrels. It is an elegant and classic expression of the winery’s style. This is a savory wine with a waft of dried provincial herbs intertwined with brambly berries, red cherries, and forest-floor notes. The palate is medium-bodied with concise acidity and fine tannins that harmonize with fruity nuances of dark berries and minerality, leading to a long finish.

Le Fonti

Overview: Located just below the village church of Panzano, Fattoria Le Fonti produces classic red wines from vineyards in the Alta Valle della Greve, a cooler part of the region. This location is advantageous in hot years, allowing the grapes to ripen perfectly while retaining freshness.

Featured wines:

• Fontissimo IGT Alta Valle della Greve: The estate’s top Super Tuscan, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a small touch of Sangiovese. It is an elegant, complex, and big wine that convinces with its dark fruit and ripeness. Aged for 24 months in French barriques, this wine is elegant and powerful, full-bodied yet unobtrusive. It is both mineral and fruity, with notes of dark ripe fruit and excellent balance, designed to satisfy the highest demands.
• Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: Made from 100% Sangiovese from their best grapes in the best vintages, this is the truest expression of the greatness of Sangiovese at Le Fonti. It is a wine of fruit, spice, acidity, tannins, depth, and elegance. The nose is complex with ripe red fruit and leather, with spicy notes of clove. The palate is balanced, harmonious, and persistent with silky tannins and a mineral finish.
• Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: A round, elegant, and structured Riserva that shows what Sangiovese can achieve after two years of careful aging. It is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with a small addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The nose is intense and plummy, with notes of walnut skins and both dried and fresh fruit (prune, blackcurrant, blueberry). The palate is powerful and concentrated, with firm acidity, and a balance of fruit, tannin, and oak that will allow it to age beautifully.

Monte Bernardi

Overview: Since 2004, Michael Schmelzer has been deeply committed to biodynamic viticulture at Monte Bernardi, aiming to produce naturally pure red wines that express the full potential of the Sangiovese grape and the unique terroir of Panzano. The range is a deep dive into the nuances of different Sangiovese vineyards.

Featured wines:

• Sa’etta Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: A dense, multi-layered, single-vineyard Riserva from vines that are more than 50 years old. It is a profound and charming expression of old-vine Sangiovese. The wine has a terrific nose of licorice, red and dark Sangiovese fruit, spice, sage, and cedar. The palate is structured yet graceful, with intense aromas of cherries, plums, and blackberries, a beautiful structure, and a long, savory finish with firm tannins.
• Tzingana IGT Colli della Toscana Centrale: An opulent and elegant Super Tuscan made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It proves that Monte Bernardi’s special terroir can also be expressed with international grape varieties. Powerful and juicy on the palate, it opens with dense, slightly gruff tannins and shows intense notes of ripe blackberries and blackcurrants, with hints of cardamom in the background. It is a hearty, layered wine with a fine fruit character on the finish.
• Retromarcia Chianti Classico DOCG: An elegant and forward expression of Chianti Classico from the vineyards immediately surrounding the house. It is a wine of character, balance, and structure. It has a deep ruby red color with intense notes of mountain herbs, cranberry, wild cherry, red plums, anise, and orange peel. The palate is fresh and fruity, medium-bodied, and well-balanced, with a nice structure, juicy acidity, and a long finish.

Panzanello

Overview: A historic organic estate dating back to 1427, Panzanello is known for producing a range of exquisite Chianti Classico wines that reflect the unique terroir of Panzano. Their offerings range from classic Sangiovese expressions to a bold, modern Super Tuscan.

Featured wines:

• Il Manuzio IGT Toscana: The estate’s flagship Super Tuscan, a bold, modern wine made from 100% Merlot and aged for 24 months in new French oak. It is a wine of remarkable character built for significant occasions. It presents a deep ruby color with concentrated notes of blackberry, plum compote, and sweet baking spices, complemented by sophisticated layers of dark chocolate, fine tobacco, and vanilla. The palate is enveloping and powerful, with silky tannins and a lingering finish with elegant balsamic nuances.
• Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: Aged for greater complexity, this Riserva features rich aromas and a robust structure. It is a classic expression of aged Sangiovese from the estate. The wine shows notes of red cherry and plum, balsamic, dry earth, and smoky herbs. The palate is complex with flavors of oak, tobacco, and cedar layered over black fruit and licorice, with a firm tannic structure.
• Chianti Classico DOCG: The estate’s classic expression of Sangiovese, an authentic and harmonious wine perfect for a wide range of pairings. It displays a luminous ruby red color with a nose of ripe cherry, subtle violet, and delicate aromatic herb notes. The tasting experience offers excellent balance and flow, with refreshing acidity and refined tannins providing a pleasant framework and a smooth, harmonious experience.

Renzo Marinai

Overview: An organic estate in Panzano that produces a focused lineup of high-quality, traditional wines. Their portfolio includes a classic Chianti Classico hierarchy and a powerful Cabernet Sauvignon-based IGT, all crafted with an emphasis on balance and elegance.

Featured wines:

• Collezione Privata ‘Guerriero’ IGT Toscana: The estate’s top Super Tuscan, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that is extremely elegant and complex. It is described as “satin in a glass”. This wine is harmonious, soft, velvety, and deep, with a long and well-structured palate. It offers notes of dark cherries, cinnamon, cigar, and leather, showcasing the potential of Cabernet in Panzano.
• Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: A very well-balanced expression of Sangiovese, blended with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It shows a large component of ripe fruit balanced by structure and freshness. The wine has an intense ruby red color and a very broad, elegant, and persistent bouquet. The palate is dry, balanced, and warm, with considerable body and notes of spice, leather, and delicate tobacco surrounding the fruity core.
• Chianti Classico DOCG: The estate’s true expression of its soil and soul, a beautifully structured wine with a delicate and lingering perfume. This brilliant ruby red Chianti Classico is dry, full-bodied, and flavor-packed. The nose shows black cherry with hints of cassis and smoke, while the dark-fruited palate reveals plum with espresso and chocolate accents, all supported by bracing acidity.

Tenuta Casenuove

Overview: Acquired and renovated in 2015 by Philippe Austruy, Tenuta Casenuove is dedicated to making exceptional wines from Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate is focused on expressing the new potential of an ancient terroir through a modern lens.

Featured wines:

• Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: The estate’s top Sangiovese expression, a wine of great structure, texture, and harmony. It is built for longevity and pairing with robust dishes. This wine has a vivid aroma of cherries and spiced plums. The palate is wonderfully balanced between fruity and spicy components, with velvety tannins, refreshing acidity, and a long, smooth finish that also features notes of leather, tobacco, and violets.
• IGT Toscana: The estate’s pride and joy, a complex and voluptuous blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Sangiovese. It marries the sinew of Sangiovese with the softness of Merlot to reveal the modern potential of the terroir. With a bouquet of black and red fruits that gradually reveals spices, mocha, and mineral notes, this wine has great intensity and complexity. In the mouth, perfectly ripe fine tannins and a velvety texture build to a fresh finish of great persistence.
• Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: A contemporary interpretation of the classic Riserva, this 100% Sangiovese is elegant, intense, and balanced, with notable aging potential. It has an intense ruby red color and a rich, multifaceted nose with scents of violets among notes of ripe red and black fruit. The palate is full, enveloping, and elegant, with the characteristic Sangiovese acidity ensuring longevity and a long, memorable finish.

Tenuta degli Dei

Overview: Owned by the Cavalli family, Tenuta degli Dei combines the elegance of excellent grape varieties with the extraordinary territory of Panzano. Their focus is on international varieties, particularly Bordeaux blends, creating wines with richness, power, and polish.

Featured wines:

• Cavalli IGT Toscana: The estate’s flagship wine, a powerful and complex Bordeaux blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot) that is built to age. It has a deep, dark, impenetrable ruby-purple color. The nose opens with intense herbal notes, licorice, cassis, and dark chocolate. The palate is gripping and powerful, with full, firm tannins, beautiful savoriness, and a long finish with salty, mineral components.
• Le Redini IGT Toscana: A supple and beguiling blend of Merlot and Alicante that presents a compelling mélange of flavors. It is a wine of aromatic presence and nuance. The nose opens with fresh blackberry, cassis, dark cherries, and plum, leading into notes of vanilla, minerality, and wild herbs. The palate is rich with a noticeable suppleness, yet possesses plenty of poise and energy, with a soft, soothing texture and a finish driven by dark cherry, spice, and baking chocolate.
• Forcole Chianti Classico DOCG: The estate’s expression of Sangiovese, crafted with the same elegance and attention to detail as their IGTs. It is a great and elegant Chianti Classico. This wine has an attractive bouquet of fresh black cherries, marjoram, and subtle roasted aromas. The palate shows a nice balance between perfectly ripe tannins, earthy notes of tobacco and forest floor, and a core of red and black fruit, all coming together in a well-balanced and persistent wine.

Vallone di Cecione

Overview: A small, family-run organic farm in the Conca d’Oro di Panzano. Since 2004, Francesco Anichini has been bottling the estate’s wines, which are an integration of modern agricultural techniques and winemaking tradition, resulting in wines of excellent quality and character.

Featured wines:

• Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: The estate’s top wine, a powerful and complex red that showcases the best of their terroir. It offers a mix of cherry, plum, loam, and eucalyptus aromas and flavors. The palate is intense with great structure, texture, and harmony, supported by a broad tract of dusty tannins that lead to a long and lingering finish with notes of dark red fruit, chalk, mint, and tobacco.
• Canaiolo IGT Toscana: A rare 100% Canaiolo bottling, this wine offers a unique taste of one of Chianti’s traditional blending grapes. It is a testament to the estate’s commitment to exploring the full potential of its indigenous varieties. This wine is lightly floral with a bouquet of wildflowers. The palate is fresh and savory, with a very pleasantly long aftertaste, making it a great pairing for pasta dishes or stews.
• Chianti Classico DOCG: The estate’s classic, an organic wine that always punches above its price point. It is a formidable expression of Panzano Sangiovese. The nose has undertones of cherry, fresh forest fruit, and spicy toasted wood, along with more complex notes of lavender, anise, and tobacco. In the mouth, an elegant taste of tannins emerges, blending well with the fruity taste to give the wine a unified and long-lasting aftertaste.

Vecchie Terre di Montefili

Overview: A historic, high-altitude organic estate dedicated to crafting pure and elegant expressions of Sangiovese. Their wines are celebrated for their vibrant, aromatic profiles, refined complexity, and the ability to capture the essence of their diverse, single-vineyard terroirs.

Featured wines:

• Anfiteatro IGT Toscana: Sourced from the oldest vines in a single vineyard, this 100% Sangiovese represents the heart and soul of Montefili. It is a Super Tuscan of elegance, intensity, and unique character. The palate is intense, with a cascade of fruit: dried cherry, ripe nectarine, orange peel, and fig. Notes of cinnamon, ginger, and smoke adorn an important structural backbone. It is velvety, elegant, and unique, with a very long, meditative finish.
• Vigna Vecchia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: The estate’s top DOCG wine, a structured and balanced Gran Selezione from old vines that combines richness and elegance in perfect harmony. The palate is immediate with flavors of red cherry, ripe blackcurrant, and plum. Complex notes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg are followed by an intense, extracted finish. The tannins are crisp with a sturdy backbone and an iron-like grip.
• Chianti Classico DOCG: The estate’s benchmark Chianti Classico, a wine that harmonizes red cherries, violets, and subtle notes of earth and spice. It is a robust yet elegant expression of the unique Montefili terroir. Crafted from Sangiovese grapes, it boasts a vibrant ruby hue and an aromatic profile of red cherries, violets, and subtle notes of earth and spice. The meticulous aging process imparts a refined complexity, featuring soft tannins and a balanced acidity that elevates the tasting experience.

Vignole

Overview: A Chianti Classico specialist situated in the Conca d’Oro, owned by the Nistri family since 1970. This organic estate combines historic cellars with modern winemaking to produce a classic lineup of Annata, Riserva, and Gran Selezione wines from their limestone- and marl-rich soils.

Featured wines:

• Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG: The pinnacle of the Vignole estate, this wine represents the highest expression of their terroir, crafted for longevity and complexity. As a Gran Selezione, it will exhibit a harmonious blend of ripe black cherry, dried fig, balsamic, spices, and tobacco. The meticulous aging process imparts increased levels of complexity, depth, and a well-rounded finish, with pronounced acidity and tannins.
• Campicaia Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG: The estate’s Riserva, a wine that strikes a harmonious balance between the vibrancy of Sangiovese and the depth gained from extended aging in oak. This aged style of Chianti Classico matures gracefully to bring forth flavors of cherry, fig, baking spices, leather, and vanilla. It has a structured and deeper profile with pronounced acidity and tannins, leading to a complex and lingering finish.
• Regginino Chianti Classico DOCG: The estate’s benchmark Chianti Classico, a powerful and dense wine that offers a true taste of the Conca d’Oro. A blend of Sangiovese with about 10% Merlot, this wine is amplified with notes of black cherry, new saddle leather, incense, mocha, and tobacco. It is a wine of substance and character, with an elegant structure and intensely fruity aromas of wild berries and floral hints of violets.

Vino al vino 2025: Panzano wineries at a glance

Winery	Defining philosophy	Key wine 1	Key wine 2	Key wine 3
Cafaggio	Classic Conca d’Oro expression	Basilica Solatìo (Gran Selezione)	Basilica San Martino (Gran Selezione)	Chianti Classico Riserva
Candialle	Organic, terroir-pure Sangiovese	Pli (Gran Selezione)	‘La Misse’ (Chianti Classico)	Ciclope (IGT Super Tuscan)
Casaloste	Organic, Sangiovese & Merlot masters	Gran Selezione (DOCG)	Inversus (IGT Super Tuscan)	Chianti Classico Riserva
Castello dei Rampolla	Biodynamic, Bordeaux blend pioneer	d’Alceo (IGT Super Tuscan)	Sammarco (IGT Super Tuscan)	Chianti Classico (DOCG)
Cennatoio	Organic, structured Super Tuscans	Etrusco (IGT 100% Sangiovese)	Rosso Fiorentino (IGT Blend)	O’Leandro (Chianti Classico Riserva)
Fattoria di Rignana	Organic, high-altitude classics	Gran Selezione (DOCG)	Chianti Classico Riserva	Chianti Classico
Fattoria La Quercia	Traditional family estate	Rinascita (IGT Super Tuscan)	Il Chellino (Chianti Classico)	Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Felciano	Small-scale organic farming	Chianti Classico Riserva	Chianti Classico	IGT Toscana Rosato
Fontodi	Organic Conca d’Oro benchmark	Flaccianello della Pieve (IGT)	Vigna del Sorbo (Gran Selezione)	Chianti Classico
Il Molino di Grace	Elegant, organic Sangiovese	Gratius (IGT Super Tuscan)	Il Margone (Gran Selezione)	Chianti Classico Riserva
Il Palagio di Panzano	Organic, 100% Sangiovese focus	Le Bambole (Gran Selezione)	Chianti Classico Riserva	Torgentile (IGT Blend)
L’Orcia a Ca’ di Pesa	Boutique, amphora-aged wines	Chianti Classico Riserva	‘La Lucertola’ (IGT Super Tuscan)	Chianti Classico
La Massa	Bordeaux-inspired IGT specialist	Giorgio Primo (IGT Super Tuscan)	Carla 6 (IGT 100% Sangiovese)	La Massa (IGT Blend)
Le Cinciole	Biodynamic, precision & purity	Petresco (IGT Super Tuscan)	Aluigi (Gran Selezione)	Chianti Classico
Le Fonti	Cool-climate style elegance	Fontissimo (IGT Super Tuscan)	Gran Selezione (DOCG)	Chianti Classico Riserva
Monte Bernardi	Biodynamic, single-vineyard focus	Sa’etta (Chianti Classico Riserva)	Tzingana (IGT Super Tuscan)	Retromarcia (Chianti Classico)
Panzanello	Historic, organic terroir expression	Il Manuzio (IGT Super Tuscan)	Chianti Classico Riserva	Chianti Classico
Renzo Marinai	Organic, traditional elegance	‘Guerriero’ (IGT Super Tuscan)	Chianti Classico Riserva	Chianti Classico
Tenuta Casenuove	Modern vision on ancient terroir	Gran Selezione (DOCG)	IGT Toscana (Blend)	Chianti Classico Riserva
Tenuta degli Dei	Polished, Bordeaux-style blends	Cavalli (IGT Super Tuscan)	Le Redini (IGT Super Tuscan)	Forcole (Chianti Classico)
Vallone di Cecione	Organic, family-run authenticity	Gran Selezione (DOCG)	Canaiolo (IGT)	Chianti Classico
Vecchie Terre di Montefili	High-Altitude, Organic Sangiovese	Anfiteatro (IGT Super Tuscan)	Vigna Vecchia (Gran Selezione)	Chianti Classico
Vignole	Classic Conca d’Oro Specialist	Gran Selezione (DOCG)	Campicaia (Chianti Classico Riserva)	Regginino (Chianti Classico)

Understanding the language of Panzano wines

After tasting through the portfolios of Panzano’s finest producers, a clear and compelling regional identity emerges. The wines speak a distinct dialect of Tuscan, shaped by high altitudes, unique soils, and the philosophical choices of their makers. Understanding this language is key to appreciating the depth and diversity on display.

The stylistic range of Sangiovese in Panzano is vast. The journey begins with the Chianti Classico Annata, which in the hands of producers like Fontodi or Le Cinciole, is a vibrant, pure expression of the grape, bursting with fresh red fruits (cherry, raspberry), floral notes (violet), and savory undertones of tobacco and tomato leaf. These wines are defined by the region’s signature high acidity and firm, refined tannins, making them exceptionally food-friendly.

Moving up the ladder, the Riservas from estates like Cafaggio and Casaloste demonstrate the grape’s capacity for complexity with age. Here, the fresh fruit evolves into richer notes of black bilberry and plum, complemented by tertiary aromas of leather, spice, and bitter chocolate from extended time in oak. The pinnacle is the Gran Selezione, a category where Panzano excels. Wines like Fontodi’s Vigna del Sorbo or Vecchie Terre di Montefili’s Vigna Vecchia are powerful, single-vineyard expressions of terroir, showcasing immense structure, mineral depth, and the potential to age for decades.

Contrasting with the DOCG hierarchy are the IGT “Super Tuscans,” which reveal a different side of Panzano’s character. These wines are not a “lesser” category but are born from a deliberate choice for stylistic freedom or a profound assessment of terroir. The decision to produce a flagship IGT instead of a Gran Selezione is a statement of philosophy. As Giampaolo Motta of La Massa articulated, some winemakers feel “caged in by the rules” of the consortium and believe their specific parcels are better suited to non-native grapes. This leads to two dominant archetypes:

• The Sangiovese Maverick: These are 100% Sangiovese wines, like Fontodi’s Flaccianello or Vecchie Terre di Montefili’s Anfiteatro, bottled as IGT to allow for specific aging protocols or stylistic choices that fall outside DOCG regulations. They are often the most powerful and concentrated expressions of Sangiovese an estate produces.
• The Bordeaux Homage: These are blends featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot that prove Panzano’s terroir is world-class for international varieties. Wines like Rampolla’s d’Alceo and La Massa’s Giorgio Primo are benchmarks, displaying darker fruit profiles (cassis, blackberry), opulent textures, and complex notes of cedar, graphite, and chocolate from aging in French barriques.

A Final Word on tasting

To fully appreciate the narrative of Panzano at the “Vino al vino” festival, it may be a good idea to choose an strategic approach. For instance, when visiting a winery’s table, begin with their Chianti Classico Annata. This will provides the baseline—the purest expression of their house style and terroir. From there, progress to the Riserva and Gran Selezione to understand how they build complexity and structure through vineyard selection and aging. Finally, taste their IGT Super Tuscan. This sequence allows one to isolate the variables and comprehend the impact of different grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and philosophical visions on the same fundamental terroir. Panzano is a region that masterfully honors its Sangiovse heritage while simultaneously and boldly shaping the future of Tuscan wine. Embrace this diversity, for it is the source of its greatness.