Pācina

Pācina is a historic winery nestled in the Chianti hills of Castelnuovo Berardenga, just east of Siena, Italy. The estate traces its origins to the 10th century as a monastery dedicated to viticulture and agriculture. The name "Pācina" is derived from the Etruscan god of wine, reflecting the region's ancient winemaking heritage. In the 1920s, the Tiezzi family acquired the property, and today, Giovanna and Stefano Tiezzi, along with their children Maria and Carlo, continue to steward the land and its traditions.

🌿 Philosophy & Practices

Pācina operates as a fully organic and biodynamic farm, cultivating not only vineyards but also olive groves, cereals, pulses, and maintaining woodlands. The estate emphasizes biodiversity and ecological balance, avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. Winemaking practices are minimalist, with spontaneous fermentation, extended maceration, and aging in large Slavonian oak casks and cement tanks. Sulfur addition is minimal, reflecting a commitment to purity and terroir expression.

🍇 Vineyards & Terroir

The vineyards are situated on the southern slopes of the Chianti hills, characterized by "Tufo di Siena" soil—a mix of clay, sand, and limestone pebbles formed from ancient seas. This terroir imparts the wines with the typical tannic structure and freshness of Sangiovese, along with added body and warmth. With only 11 of the estate's 65 hectares planted to vines, the surrounding biodiversity contributes to the unique character of the wines.

🍷 Notable Wines

  • Pācina IGT Toscana Rosso: A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation in large concrete tanks and is aged for three years in a combination of large Slavonian oak casks, old 500-liter barrels, and cement. It features dark fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and a touch of volatility, with a maximum of 20 mg/l of sulfur added.(

  • Pācina Toscana Bianco "La Cerretina": A white wine that showcases the estate's commitment to organic viticulture and natural winemaking techniques.

 

  • Online Retailers

    • Natural Wine Dealers (Europe): Offers various Pācina wines with delivery across EU countries Natural Wine Dealers.

    • Vino Mito (Australia): Ships to Australia; offers a selection including:

      • 2022 La Cerretina – US $76

      • 2021 Rosato – US $76

      • 2020 Donesco – US $51

      • 2021 Ciliegiolo – US $71

      • 2020 Villa Pacina – US $91 Vino Mito+1.

    • GourmetHunters (EU/Spain): Also lists multiple Pācina wines for sale, though prices may vary gourmethunters.com.

    • Leon & Son (Brooklyn, NY, US): Stocks the 2016 Pacina Toscana IGT for about US $36 Leon & Son Wine and Spirits.

    • RWM Selections (New York, US): Offers Pacina IGT Toscana Rosso 2016, around US $36 RWM Selections.

    • Franklin Wines & Spirits (Brooklyn, NY): Location is 608 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238, and they carry Pācina Toscana wines 608franklinwines.com.

    Price Aggregators & Specialty Channels

    • Wine-Searcher: Helps you locate local retailers and pricing (average around US $36 per 750 ml bottle) Wine-Searcher+2Wine-Searcher+2enosearcher.com.

    • RAW WINE: A global network of organic and natural wine sellers; Pācina is part of their producer list rawwine.com+1.

    • Juice Imports (Alberta, Canada): Acts as an importer of Pācina under natural, organic & biodynamic wine offerings juiceimports.com.