Castello di Verrazzano
Stewards of Chianti Classico, Castello di Verrazzano has played an indelible role in Tuscan winemaking and American history. Owners Luigi and Silvia Cappellini pour their passion into the estate, producing traditional organic wines that deservedly enjoy an incredibly loyal following around the world. They farm organically and have been certified since 2014.
HISTORY
A founding member of the Consorzio del Chianti Classico, Verrazzano has made wine since the earliest times. The property occupies the site of former Etruscan and Roman settlements and was home to the explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, who was the first to discover America’s east coast, landing at the bay of New York in the early 16th century.
The Verrazzano castle and surrounding gardens dates back to the 10th century (1150). The estate’s vines have been cultivated since 1170 and the historic cellars have remained in continuous production.
New life was breathed back into Verrazzano, when in 1958, Luigi and Silvia Cappellini purchased the estate and restored the neglected manor house and surrounding gardens.
TERROIR
Since acquiring the estate, the Cappellini family has replanted Verrazzano's vineyards, which fan out from the forest limits down to the valley below.
Located on a hilltop in the Greve, the heart of Chianti Classico, Verrazzano’s 220 acre estate includes 52 hectares of vineyards at altitudes between 280 and 400 meters above sea level, higher than average Chianti Classico vineyards.
Though present in southern parts of the Classico area, limestone is unique to Verrazzano which is in the cooler, northern part of the zone. This singular combination of limestone soil and cooler growing conditions accounts for the wines’ muscularity and finesse.
The true lifeblood of the vineyards comes from the surrounding Verrazzano-owned woodland area, which acts as a cocoon for the vines; offering pollution protection and maintaining freshness. In addition, the entire winery is heated by wood from these forests.
PEOPLE
The Cappellini's joy and sense of pride in their home is evident everywhere one looks. Warm and generous hosts, they welcome a constant stream of visitors at their beautifully restored estate.
Sustainability is a priority of Castello di Verrazzano winery: fertilization is organic and vineyards are weeded by hand. Green harvesting is also practiced, resulting in a heightened concentration of flavor in the remaining fruit. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Verrazzano is the commitment to their community. The Cappellini’s, together with nine other families, have lived and worked at the estate for generations! Their dedication and passion for the property and wines remains the lifeblood of this beloved estate.
