Il Viticcio

Viticcio is a historic and highly respected winery located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Italy. While it has been producing wine since the 1960s, it has evolved its practices to focus on organic and biodynamic farming, producing wines that are a classic yet fresh expression of the Tuscan terroir.

History and Location

  • Location: The winery is situated in the rolling hills of Greve in Chianti, one of the most significant towns in the Chianti Classico zone. The estate spans over 120 hectares, with vineyards in Chianti Classico and also in the coastal region of Maremma.

  • Founding: Viticcio was founded in 1964. Since 2015, it has been owned by Alexander and Helen Biba, who have continued to invest in the winery's commitment to quality and sustainable practices.

  • Winemaker: The head winemaker, Daniele Innocenti, was born and raised in Greve in Chianti and has a deep connection to the land, having worked at Viticcio since 2005.

Winemaking Philosophy

Viticcio's philosophy is a balance between tradition and innovation, with a strong focus on sustainable and organic farming.

  • Organic Farming: The winery has been practicing organic viticulture since 2013, with full organic certification for all its products since 2017. They use natural treatments and believe that the quality of the wine begins in the vineyard.

  • Biodynamic Practices: In addition to organic methods, they also farm a portion of their vineyards using biodynamic practices, which involve a holistic approach to the ecosystem.

  • Precision Winemaking: While Viticcio is committed to natural methods in the vineyard, they use modern cellar technology to ensure quality and consistency. Each grape variety is vinified separately at controlled temperatures to preserve its unique characteristics.

  • Traditional Grapes: The winery's main focus is on Sangiovese, the flagship grape of Chianti Classico. They also work with international varieties that are well-adapted to the Tuscan terroir, such as Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Notable Wines

Viticcio produces a range of high-quality wines that are recognized by international critics.

  • Chianti Classico DOCG: This is their most historic and classic wine. It's a pure expression of Sangiovese from the region, known for its pleasant aromas of red fruit, plums, and violets, with a balanced acidity and elegant tannins.

  • Chianti Classico Riserva: A more structured and complex version of their Chianti Classico, aged for a longer period. It is a powerful red with notes of black currant, blackberry, and subtle spice.

  • Chianti Classico Gran Selezione: This is the top tier of Chianti Classico, made from a selection of the best grapes from the estate's top vineyards. It is a powerful, long-aging wine that showcases the pinnacle of the winery's production.

  • Toscana IGT: Viticcio also produces wines under the wider Toscana IGT designation, which allows for more creative blends, including their white Vermentino, a grape from the Maremma coast.