Gagliole Pecchia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG (formerly Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT)

Gagliole Pecchia IGT

The Pecchia Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT: a Sangiovese rarity in its purest form

The Pecchia Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT is one hundred percent "Panzanese" - because the grapes for it all come from the vineyards that form the north-western edge of the famous Conca d'Oro above La Valletta at an altitude of 500 meters. What's more, the Pecchia is a Sangiovese in its purest form. Another fact that makes this wine so special is the use of "vinificazione integrale". This special vinification method was developed in 2002 by the oldest cooperage in France - Tonnellerie Baron. The grapes are first gently de-stemmed, sorted in several stages on the vibrating console and then transferred directly to the special barrique barrel. This is where all the fermentation processes take place. What's more, the barrels are turned several times a day to ensure constant contact between the juice, skins, seeds and barrel. In contrast to conventional fermentation methods, the temperature in the barrel is lower and very constant. The pecchia - an old Tuscan term for bee - remains in the barrique for at least 18 months and then in the bottle for at least another year. The aim of this method is to enhance the body, density and complexity of the wine. With great success: after the method was first used at Gagliole in 2011, a further 25 of these special barrels were purchased in 2013. However, this vinification method is only used in years with the very best grape quality. This is why Pecchia is an absolute rarity: only 946 bottles of the 2013 vintage, for example, were produced. So: secure a bottle or several bottles quickly and ideally give it up to ten years' rest after its market launch, then you will be rewarded with the best drinking maturity!

From light white wines to top red wines

White wines are rather rare 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 and, when well chilled, is an ideal companion for a mild summer evening or for light starters. The Il Bianco, a cuvée made from the Chardonnay, Malvasia and Procanico grape varieties, has a little more substance and power. However, the main protagonists in the range are undoubtedly - and typically for Tuscany - the red wines: The foundation of the range is the classic Chianti Classico with the epithet Rubiolo - which is said to be a tribute to the many roses on Gagliole and La Valletta. The range also includes the Valletta Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, which is made from a 50:50 ratio of Sangiovese and Merlot, the Gagliole Toscana IGT, a cuvée of 90 percent Sangiovese and ten percent Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Pecchia Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, which is made from 100 percent Sangiovese grapes from Panzano with the "Vinificazione integrale". Without doubt the top wine from Gagliole. The product range is rounded off with an extra virgin olive oil pressed from Frantoio, Leccino and Moraiolo olives - cold-pressed, of course.

Antico Podere Gagliole in Castellina: an Italian slice of paradise

In 1990, the Swiss Bär-Bettschart family bought the Antico Podere Gagliole winery in Castellina, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. And how does a Swiss person come to buy an Italian winery? It's easy to explain: Monika spent her vacations in Castellina when she was young and fell in love with this little corner of the world, and later with Thomas... They only bought Gagliole after they got married. The family still lives in Zurich, but their "heart and soul" is in Tuscany. In the beginning, the vineyards were leased to the surrounding wineries. It was only around ten years ago that the idea of making and selling wine under the family's symbols - the compass and balance beam - was put into practice. In 2011, Thomas Bär bought another vineyard, La Valletta. This ten-hectare estate is located in Panzano in Chianti. As a result, Gagliole now has a total of 20 hectares of land, all of which is cultivated 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 extend around the estate in Castellina itself. Here, it is the terraced vineyards that immediately catch the visitor's eye. In between, olive trees provide cooling shade for the vines and constant winds ensure good ventilation. Rose bushes can also be found again and again in the vineyard. This not only looks beautiful, but also ensures an ecological balance. The vines can root deeper in the Galestro soil, which consists of loose layers of rock. The result: mineral and elegant wines. A further 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 receive sunshine for most of the day and are simultaneously buffeted by cool winds - the perfect conditions for the two to forty-five year old vines. The clay soil, which is interspersed with many stones, provides the structure and strength of the wines. And another insider tip: the Luxury Bed & Breakfast La Valletta is the perfect place to spend an unforgettable vacation - and ask for the rose jam!

In Italy, in the region Tuscany, in the region Chianti Classico, in Panzano in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti

Monika and Thomas Bär-Bettschart

Giulio Carmassi

A total of 20 ha, of which 10 ha in Castellina in Chianti and 10 ha in Panzano in Chianti

Conglomerate

South, Southwest

450 - 480 meters above sea level.

5,000 vines per ha

Cordon