High above the winding cypress-lined roads of Panzano lies a winery that captures both the soul of Tuscany and the rebellious spirit of a new generation. Welcome to Vecchie Terre di Montefili,  a winery whose past is steeped in tradition but whose present is writing a bold new chapter in Italian winemaking.

A Bit of History: From Monks to Mavericks

The story of Montefili is a classic Tuscan tale. The land was originally cultivated by monks of Badia a Passignano, who cultivated the land until it was destroyed in 1260.

It was later transformed into a working vineyard in the 1970s, where the Acuti family planted vineyards, marking the beginning of Vecchie Terre di Montefili as we know it today. This wasn’t just any planting. It was a bold declaration of intent during the Super Tuscan movement, when innovative winemakers were challenging the rigid rules of traditional Italian winemaking.

Fast forward to today, and the winery has evolved into something truly special, where winemaker Serena Gusmeri breathes new life into the estate’s old vines, honoring its roots while pursuing excellence without compromise. Her diverse experience spans from Benevento and Ischia to Franciacorta and even Australia, bringing a global perspective to this quintessentially Tuscan estate.

Viticulture & Philosophy: Organic, Minimalist, Thoughtful

Montefili embraces biodiversity, letting nature guide the rhythm of the vineyard. The combination of altitude, exposure, and soil composition creates the perfect storm for Sangiovese expression. The high elevation provides crucial diurnal temperature variation, while the ancient soils (rich in galestro and alberese) impart that distinctive mineral backbone that makes Chianti Classico so compelling.

And their approach is refreshingly straightforward: grow exceptional grapes, then get out of the way. It’s not about chasing scores. It’s about chasing soulful wines that capture terroir expressions that are blended to achieve the perfect balance.

The result? Wines that are intensely concentrated yet elegant, powerful yet graceful. The wines don’t hide behind heavy oak or flashy winemaking techniques. Instead, they speak with the authentic voice of their terroir, delivering concentrated, and elegant wins.

The Wines That Define Excellence

Chianti Classico DOCG 2021 ($32) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is Sangiovese at its most expressive; a wine that captures the essence of the Montefili terroir with remarkable clarity. The 2021 vintage shows beautiful tart cherry and cranberry, elevated by notes of violet and herbs. The palate is juicy with grainy tannins and a persistent finish that whispers of earth and spice. What sets this Chianti apart is its perfect balance between tradition and modernity. It’s approachable now but has the structure to age gracefully for 8-10 years.

Perfect Pairing: Osso buco alla Milanese. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the rich marrow while its herbal notes complement the gremolata beautifully.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2019 ($50) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a seriously sculpted Sangiovese with layers of black cherry, dried violets, graphite, tobacco and leather. The texture is taut and regal, with silky tannins that grip politely, unfolding on the finish like a sonnet. This is a wine that demands attention and rewards patience. It’s drinking beautifully now but will continue to evolve for 15-20 years.

Perfect Pairing: Elevate your evening with a mushroom risotto with shaved black truffles. This wine deserves depth and savor on the plate.

Anfiteatro IGT Toscana 2019 ($110) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Named after the vineyard’s natural amphitheater shape, this is a single-vineyard Sangiovese that expresses the grandeur of Montefili’s terroir with elegance and edge. The 2019 vintage is simply stunning, with an opulent bouquet of red cherries, cranberries, and orange peel, layered with sandalwood, tobacco, and a touch of wet stone. On the palate, it’s velvety and elegant, with notes of cinnamon, ginger, and smoke adorning an important backbone. The finish is long and meditative, inviting contemplation with each sip.

Perfect Pairing: Wild boar ragu with pappardelle. The wine’s intensity and earthy complexity mirror the gamey richness of the boar, while its acidity cuts through the sauce’s richness. The pairing is pure Tuscan poetry.

Final Sip

Vecchie Terre di Montefili is the kind of winery that doesn’t just make wine. It tells stories in every bottle. It’s where history, geology, and human passion intersect to create wines that are deeply Tuscan yet unmistakably unique. If you haven’t tasted Montefili yet, you’re missing out on one of the most soulful expressions of Sangiovese in Italy today.

Raise a glass to the new wave of Chianti—this is Tuscany, reimagined.

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