I Malfattori

"I Malfattori" is a natural wine producer in the Tuscany region of Italy. The name, which translates to "The Wrongdoers" or "The Malefactors," is a playful nod to their rebellious, non-conformist approach to winemaking.

History and Location

  • Location: The winery is located in the province of Florence, in the hills between San Casciano and Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, within the Chianti Classico appellation. This area is historically known for Sangiovese and the traditional Chianti style.

  • The Founder: I Malfattori is the project of Dino Cafissi. He comes from a family with deep roots in farming and winemaking, but he has dedicated himself to a natural, low-intervention approach, going against some of the more conventional practices of the region.

Winemaking Philosophy

Dino's philosophy is an uncompromising commitment to natural, non-interventionist winemaking. He believes in allowing the grapes and the terroir to express themselves as purely as possible.

  • Organic Farming: The vineyards are farmed organically, and all work is done by hand. Dino avoids all chemical pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers.

  • Indigenous Grapes: The focus is on the traditional grapes of the region, primarily Sangiovese, but they also work with other local varieties.

  • Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, their approach is hands-off.

    • Spontaneous Fermentation: All wines are fermented using indigenous, or wild, yeasts.

    • No Filtration: The wines are unfined and unfiltered, preserving their natural character and sometimes a slight cloudiness.

    • No Added Sulfur: Dino does not add any sulfur to his wines, a rarity even among natural winemakers.

  • Aging: The wines are aged in a variety of vessels, including stainless steel and old barrels, to allow them to develop complexity without the influence of new wood.

Notable Wines

I Malfattori produces a small but highly-regarded portfolio of wines that are authentic expressions of the Chianti Classico terroir, with a raw, natural edge.

  • Sangiovese: Their flagship wine is a pure Sangiovese. It's known for its vibrant red fruit, high acidity, and a savory, rustic character. It's a departure from a more polished, modern Chianti, and is a favorite among natural wine enthusiasts.

  • Trebbiolo: A red wine, likely a blend, that is a more approachable and fresh expression of the local grapes.

  • Bianco: A white wine made from local white grapes like Trebbiano, with a focus on freshness and a mineral character.