By Sebastiano Pedani
On May 23, 2024, the Capponi family celebrated a historic event: 500 years since the acquisition of Villa Calcinaia, one of the symbols of Chianti Classico and the family’s home since 1524. The estate, located in Greve in Chianti, represents not only a history of winemaking excellence but also of a deep connection with the Tuscan territory. The celebrations, which took place in a suggestive setting, saw illustrious participation and a program that intertwined past and present in a unique experience.
The purchase of Villa Calcinaia by Niccola di Andrea Capponi in 1524 marked the beginning of a story that has spanned centuries of oenological evolution and care of the territory. Today, brothers Sebastiano, Niccolò and Tessa Capponi represent the 37th generation of the family that continues to manage the estate with dedication and vision, preserving the agricultural tradition and the quality of their products. One of Sebastiano Capponi’s missions is to combine history and innovation, from landscape conservation to organic farming and the recovery of ancient vine varieties such as Occhiorosso, Mammolo and Sanforte.
The celebrations attracted friends, producers and leading figures of the Chianti Classico Consortium. At the heart of the day, a special tasting led by Wine Educator Filippo Bartolotta, who accompanied guests on an oenological journey through the history of Villa Calcinaia and its wines. Five selected labels represented the most important stages of the Capponi family’s journey: from the Mauvais Chapon Metodo Classico 2018, a sparkling wine obtained from Sangiovese, to the prestigious Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2010
The tasting was enriched by historical stories, such as the treatise written in 1613 by Niccola Capponi on French winemaking techniques, which testify to the family’s ancient propensity for innovation and quality. The labels served also included a rare Chianti Classico from 1969, still in perfect condition, which amazed for the freshness and complexity of the aromas, a true testament to the aging capacity of the estate’s wines
Sustainability and innovation
Villa Calcinaia is not only history and wine, but also an example of sustainability. The estate has been cultivated entirely with organic methods since 2000, with a special attention to biodiversity and the surrounding environment. Among the ongoing projects, the use of renewable energy, such as the geothermal system that powers the property, and the recovery of rainwater for irrigation stand out. The villa also hosts a hunting reserve for the repopulation of local fauna, demonstrating a long-term commitment to protecting the landscape.
A toast to the future
The 500 years of Villa Calcinaia are not only a tribute to the past, but a declaration of intent for the future. The Capponi family continues to work to keep Chianti Classico among the world’s excellences, combining the rediscovery of ancient vine varieties with innovative techniques to address modern challenges, such as climate change. Sebastiano Capponi’s dream is to project Villa Calcinaia towards the future, maintaining its identity and ensuring that, in another 500 years, this story of passion and dedication will continue to be written, one glass at a time.
This celebration was therefore an opportunity to reflect not only on the extraordinary legacy of the Capponi family, but also on the ability of the estate to reinvent itself, remaining faithful to its roots.
A toast, therefore, not only to the first 500 years, but to many more to come!
Contatti
Vendita diretta
Via Citille 71, 50022 Loc. Greti – Greve in Chianti (FI)
Tel. 392 6623362 / Email: shop@conticapponi.it
Azienda
Via Citille, 84 – 50022 Greve in Chianti (FI)
Tel. 055 853715 / Email: ufficio@conticapponi.it
Palazzo Capponi alle Rovinate
Lungarno Torrigiani, 25 Firenze / Tel. 328 3986736
