Guicciardini

Since 1200 the Guicciardini, one of the most ancient Florentine families, held a prominent position in the social, political and commercial life of Florence. The most famous member of the family is the Historian Francesco Guicciardini (1483-1540), who, after having been entrusted with important appointments by the Medicis (Ambassador to Spain, Governor of Modena and Reggio, Head of the Cognac league), retired to Florence and Poppiano where he wrote a part of his masterpiece “Historia d’Italia”.

The hills around the Castello di Poppiano have been for centuries the main site of farming activity by the Guicciardini who, even when involved in the public life of Florence, continued to look after their estates in the countryside.

At present, the Estate extends over 265 hectares of which 130 are vineyards and 47 are olive groves, all of them managed with respect for the environment.

The sunny hills and the well-drained south-sloping calcareous stony soils (locally called “alberese”) lying at elevation 300 to 140 m above the sea level, on the divide hills between the Pesa and Virginio streams provide fundamental conditions for great quality wines.

Castello Poppiano is located in Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG area. Most of the vineyards are planted with Sangiovese, the main traditional grape for Chianti, with a complementary contribution of Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah. The vineyards on the hills to the right bank of the Virginio creek are devoted to the production of Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG, while those on the left bank mainly produce IGT wines.

While Chianti Colli Fiorentini “Il Cortile” and “Riserva” DOCG, together with Vinsanto, remains the winery’s most traditional wines, innovative works are ongoing and new IGT wines are being produced (one of them is Viognier ‘Campo Segreto’).

To learn more about Castello di Poppiano Guicciardini please visit the winery website.