Badia a Coltibuono, Tuscany

While the history here dates back to the Vallombrosan order of monks, whose fine abbey – the “Badia” – still stands proudly at the heart of the property, the current owners have been in residence since 1846. The present generation, siblings Emanuela, Roberto, Paolo & Guido, now run the show, bringing this most traditional of wine estates up to date. At 74ha it’s no garage operation, but it is fortunate in owning a significant slice of subzone/sottozona Monti in Chianti, whose excellent terroir is much prized. In 1996 they built a new winery in Monti, and with the 2003 harvest their fruit was certified ICEA organic. Roberto Stucchi Prinetti remarks that since going organic they’ve noticed that the fermentations have been easier to follow.