Explore the evolution of Chianti Classico: from dated white grape blends to refined, predominantly Sangiovese reds, showcasing modern winemaking. Read more
Capannelle Winery Guide
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Last updated: November 25, 2023
Winery Overview
The Capannelle Winery story predates the book and movie sensation “Under the Tuscan Sun,” but it’s no less compelling. In 1974, business executive Raffaele Rossetti traded his job in Rome (where he worked in laminated plastics, of all things) for a life in the Tuscan countryside. He bought and restored Capannelle, a 16th-century Tuscan farmhouse where he would create a pioneering boutique winery, and set about blending some of Chianti’s most coveted wines.
From the very first vintage (1975), Capannelle’s wines made a splash. As one of the first Tuscan winemakers to use stainless steel tanks, Rossetti’s innovative techniques drew much attention in the industry. His marketing plans were no less unique; among his first bottles were special editions with 18-carat gold and 925 silver labels made by a Florentine artisan. Famed gourmands like Frank Sinatra and Alain Delon quickly snapped up those bottles, which ensured Capannelle wines a place in Chianti Classico lore.
In 1997, American James Sherwood bought the Gaiole-based winery, although he kept the charismatic Rossetti on as a consultant. Since then, Capannelle has confirmed its position as an exclusive, state-of-the-art wine producer. The underground winery and cellars feature only the highest quality and most innovative winemaking technology. However, the facility’s stark modern style is in distinct contrast to the old-world charm and beauty of the winery building itself, which is pure Tuscan. The results of the old-meets-new approach are Capannelle’s effortlessly elegant yet pleasingly complex wines. Capannelle has also earned fame for its delectable Olive Oils, made with organically grown olives, and its luxury boutique hotel, an exclusive five-room oasis overlooking gardens and vineyards.
Wines produced
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Solare 50&50
50% Merlot and 50% Sangiovese - most famous wine the estate produces -
Capannelle Chardonnay
100% Barrel fermented Chardonnay, one of the best chardonnays in Italy -
Chianti Classico Riserva
100% Sangiovese - Chianti Classico Riserva
Winery Contact Details
Capannelle
Località Capannelle, 1353013 Gaiole in Chianti (Siena)
Italy
Email: [email protected]
Tel +39 0577 74511
Fax +39 0577 745233 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
(DOCG) Chianti Classico
Founded
1974
Area under Vine
35 hectares
Age of vines
Oak barrel origin
Capannelle produces a limited number of bottles, 80.000 a year, divided among a chianti classico Riserva and an IGT matured in big Oak Barrels (35.000), Solare aged in French Barriques (30.000), Chardonnay aged and fermented in French Barriques (5.000), 50&50 (10.000).
Winemaker
Simone Monciatti
Owner
James B. Sherwood
Production
80,000 bottles per year
Grape varietals
Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Malvasia Nera
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Canaiolo
Discover Canaiolo: Tuscany's Wine Legacy & the 'Governo' Technique That Rescued Chianti in 19th-century winemaking.
Find out more -
Malvasia Nera
Malvasia Nera is an aromatic, thin-skinned grape variety within the Malvasia family, used for various wine styles, including dry, sweet, and sparkling. While not commonly made into varietal wines, it's often blended, imparting cherry and plum flavors to light-to-medium-bodied wines.
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Sangiovese
Unearthing Sangiovese: Italy's Ancient Grape with a Complex History. Explore its journey from Etruscans to modern-day excellence.
Find out more
Winery Appellations
Author
Further Reading: Discover More Related Blog Content
More information
If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.
