The search that defines Other Grapes has always been about looking in the margins—for a forgotten grape, a remote vineyard, or a winemaker with a story that runs counter to the commercial mainstream. I’ve spent years convinced that the most compelling narratives were hidden far from the spotlight.
And then I found Panzano.
On the surface, Panzano in Chianti is the heartland of one of the world’s most famous wines. Sangiovese is no “other grape.” Yet, the more time I spent there, the more I realized I had stumbled upon one of the most extraordinary “other stories” I had ever encountered. It was a story of quiet rebellion, of a community that chose collaboration over competition, and of a shared promise to the land that resulted in Italy’s first organic wine district (biodistretto).
It was a story that I felt I had to write in full.
Today, I’m incredibly proud to announce that this story is now a book: Toscana’s Organic Wines: Panzano in Chianti.
This isn’t a technical manual or a simple list of tasting notes. It’s the chronicle of a journey, and I hope it reads like one. It’s my attempt to capture the spirit of a place that proves the most authentic revolutions in wine aren’t always loud. Sometimes, they happen quietly, in a single village, among a group of people who simply believed there was a better way.
Inside, you will journey with me to:
- The Land: We’ll walk the vineyards of the sun-drenched “Conca d’Oro” and understand how its unique trinity of soils—Galestro, Albarese, and Pietraforte—shapes every glass.
- The People: You’ll learn the history of the Unione Viticoltori, the visionary producers who united to forge a collective organic dream from a moment of crisis.
- The Culture: We’ll pull up a chair to the Panzano table, feel the energy of the Vino al Vino festival, and explore how wine and life are woven together.
- The Wines: With all this context, we will dive deep into the wines themselves—from the vibrant Chianti Classico to the profound Gran Selezione—and meet the producers who craft them.
This book is the culmination of countless conversations, walks through vineyards, and glasses shared. It’s everything I love about wine: a story of place, people, and conviction.
I’m thrilled to share that it is now available on Amazon worldwide.
Get Your Copy Today
The book is available in two formats. Choose the one that’s right for you and begin your journey to the heart of Tuscany.
- For the digital reader, the Kindle version is available here.
- For those who love the feel of a book in their hands, the Paperback version is available here.
Thank you, as always, for being part of the Other Grapes community.
