Il Palagio in their heart and Sangiovese in their blood

Monia Piccini and Nina in Chianti

Nina in Chianti in conversation with Monia Piccini from Azienda Agricola Il Palagio di Panzano

At Azienda Agricola Il Palagio in Panzano in Chianti, Monia Piccini and her husband Franco make amazing red wines in one of the best spots of the shell-shaped Conca d'Oro, and recently, their Rosato Aldemara too. They also produce a fantastic extra virgin olive oil.

Monia is a true Panzanese – meaning she was born and raised here, and lives and works with her husband, their two daughters, and their dog Bruno on one of the most beautiful spots on earth. As you know, it's important to me to personally know "my" winemakers. By the way: If you want to meet Monia in person and try her wines, you should definitely check out "Vino al Vino" in Panzano in Chianti, which is happening this year from September 13th - 16th, 2018, in the Piazza.

If you can't make it to "Vino al Vino," you can get to know Monia a bit better here. I had a chat with her about wine, about life, and about many, many other things. You can find excerpts from our (very entertaining) conversation here:

Nina in Chianti: Monia, when you think about wine – like Chianti Classico, Riserva, Gran Selezione, an IGT, or a Supertuscan – which of these wines best matches your personality?

Monia Piccini: (answers like a shot from a pistol…) Chianti Classico – no question!

Nina in Chianti: Not the Riserva, for sure? You're such a strong woman!

Monia Piccini: (laughs) Yeah, I am. But I believe Chianti Classico is the one among our wines that stands out the most from the others, while also forming the foundation for everything else. In other words: Only if the Chianti Classico has a good character can the Riserva and Gran Selezione also become bigger and more complex.

Nina in Chianti and Monia Piccini from Il Palagio di Panzano

And when I think about myself, I think about Il Palagio and the land where we grow wine, and how Chianti Classico was the root, the origin of everything here at Il Palagio. Chianti Classico has always been here.

Nina in Chianti: I see. But that immediately leads me to my next question: What makes a wine a truly good wine for you? What special something absolutely must a wine have for you? 

Monia Piccini: Well, as you know, I'm not a trained oenologist or agronomist... But through my many years of personal experience, I've figured out what I like and what I don't.

Monia Piccini: And for me, a wine has to have character – that means you should be able to taste the characteristics of the soil, the landscape the wine comes from, the characteristics of the grape – all of that needs to come through in the wine. Of course, with Chianti Classico, I immediately think of Sangiovese, which is strong yet challenging, but reveals even more delicious beauty when you know how to handle it right.

Nina in Chianti: Monia, in 2009 you switched Il Palagio's farming to organic. Then in 2013, you got the official organic certification. Why is that so important to you? 

Monia Piccini: Phew, as you know, Nina, this change wasn't exactly without some family discussions... Franco and I are now the third generation running Il Palagio as a winery. And right from the start, we both had this vision of farming the land sustainably. Even though, of course, I had my doubts at first about whether we'd chosen the right path.

Nina always has questions for Monia

But ultimately, I hope that by treating our land sustainably, I can help people and plants live longer. And that means healthier products from healthier plants. This goes for our wines, of course, but also for our olive oil and even our vegetable garden, where we harvest for our guests.

Nina in Chianti: Monia, what's so special about Il Palagio for you – what's special about the place itself?

Monia Piccini: You know what? My first word wasn't "Mama," it was "Palagio"! For me, Il Palagio is just part of the family – both Franco's and mine. Il Palagio is my life, it always has been and always will be. Because Il Palagio is also our children's future.

Nina in Chianti: Let's say you didn't have Il Palagio, which winery or wine region would you like? Where would you want to have a winery?

Monia Piccini: Definitely Trentino. Because when I think of that area, I see a region with roots and character. A region where people are sensitive to the environment. And you know – I love sparkling wine! 

Monia (Il Palagio di Panzano) deeply inhales the aroma from the glass

Nina in Chianti: One more question about wine: What's your favorite grape variety? Besides Sangiovese, of course... 

Monia Piccini: Riesling! But I also like Teroldego – it's an interesting red native grape that I've tried quite a few times over the last couple of years. 

Nina in Chianti: Funny, because Riesling – just like Sangiovese – is also a grape variety that needs a lot of attention and care. But, dear Monia, I have another question for you now: Did you actually have a different job before you became a winemaker? 

Monia Piccini: Before I took over the estate from my father here, I arranged wine tours through Tuscany for foreign tour operators. I was still very young back then, still studying, but I had the chance to learn a lot and gain experience.

Monia Piccini: And I also worked as a wedding planner for three and a half years. I was always commuting between London and Florence... it was an exciting time. But I would never do that again! 

Nina in Chianti: Okay, so that's a work-related no-go... But what's an absolute no-go for you in the wine cellar, when you're working? 

Monia Piccini: I hate bureaucracy! But I have to deal with it – whether I like it or not. 

Nina in Chianti: Now I have four quick questions for you to finish up. Number one: What's your favorite dish? 

Monia Piccini: Pasta and meat – in all variations.

Nina in Chianti: And what do you like to drink with that? 

Monia Piccini: That really depends on how the pasta and meat are prepared... but I'd say I love Chianti Classico – of course – or a glass of Le Bambole with meat. When it's winter outside and I can relax in front of the fireplace – then a glass of Le Bambole and the world is just perfect! 

Nina in Chianti: What travel destination are you dreaming of?

Monia Piccini: Definitely Northern Europe and Alaska! I'm actually not really a "south" person (laughs).

Nina in Chianti: Last question, Monia: What's your motto in life? 

Monia Piccini: "Do it" – I always tell my kids that too! 

Nina in Chianti: Monia, grazie!

Monia Piccini: You're welcome!