Tenuta Degli Dei Forcole Chianti Classico DOCG

Forcole Chianti Classico DOCG from Tenuta degli Dei

A heavenly, one hundred percent Sangiovese red wine 

Tommaso Cavalli, son of the famous fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, is not only a highly successful international breeder of fine trotting horses, but has also been an up-and-coming winegrower since 2000. While Chianti Classico forms the basis of the range at other wineries in Tuscany, at Tenuta degli Dei - the divine name of the Cavalli estate - it is a rather late addition to the range. Why? Quite simply because not a single Sangiovese grape grows in the Tenuta degli Dei vineyards. Niente! But as Chianti Classico connoisseurs know, a genuine Chianti Classico must contain at least 80 percent Sangiovese. So how is it that since 2013 there has also been a 100% Sangiovese Chianti Classico from Cavalli called Forcole? Quite simply, the Sangiovese grapes required for the Chianti Classico come from a three-hectare vineyard very close to the Tenuta, which Tommaso has leased. After being harvested by hand, the grapes are taken directly to the Tenuta degli Dei in San Leolino for vinification. The wine then matures for 14 months in oak barrels and a further six months in the bottle - in the wine cellar directly under the church of San Leolino. And the Cavalli Chianti Classico tastes exactly the same: simply heavenly!

Tenuta degli Dei: The Cavalli family estate in San Leolino

Originally, the Florentine star designer Roberto Cavalli bought the estate not far from Panzano in Chianti in the early 1970s to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the fashion business. His son Tommaso, who has lived on the Tenuta degli Dei with his family since 1989, turned the estate into a flourishing business. The estate, which belongs to the small village of San Leolino, covers a total area of around 70 hectares. A special feature is that the wine cellar and vinification facilities are not located directly on the estate, but within the walls of the Romanesque church of San Leolino: the old vault in which the wine barrels are stored is located right under the church. And the vinification takes place wall to wall with the church. You could almost say that the wine at the Tenuta degli Dei - which translates as "vineyard of God" - is produced with a heavenly blessing.

A cosmopolitan family with fashion, wines and more...

Tommaso has only been working as a winemaker since 2000. He is supported by none other than star oenologist Carlo Ferrini. Together they decided to plant only the international grape varieties Alicante, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot on five hectares. The first Cavalli wine was presented with the 2004 vintage - a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Le Redini was added later - a cuvée of Alicante and Merlot. Since 2013, Cavalli has also been producing a Chianti Classico called Forcole. The Sangiovese grapes required for this come from a vineyard very close to the estate, which Tommaso has leased. Another vineyard, whose grapes are also processed at Tenuta degli Dei, is located on the Cavalli estate in Florence. More than 1,800 Alicante vines grow and thrive here. Tommaso is currently converting the cultivation of the vineyards from conventional to organic and sustainable. And not to forget: In addition to designer fashion, grappa, vodka and gin, Cavalli also produces a fiery peperoncino oil called Foho Fiorentino. Nice and hot!

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

Tommaso and Roberto Cavalli

Gioia Cresti

12 ha

Galestro

South

350 - 400 meters above sea level.

5,000 vines per ha

Cordon