So, as part of my blog series #LongingForChiantiClassico, I've virtually visited some of 'my' wineries with you and shared what daily life is like during these Corona times. Today, I want to take you on a little trip to the Poggio al Sole winery – to Kathrin and Johannes Davaz. They're looking positively and optimistically into the future here, with a new logo, new plantings, and many excellent new wines.

Poggio al Sole: The winery on the 'Hill in the Sun'

Hills and slopes covered with forests, cypress groves, grapevines, and olive trees. The softly glowing, truly special light of Tuscany, the clouds drifting across the sky that seem close enough to touch – these are all the dreamy images we long for from Chianti. And right in the middle of this magical scenery, covering about 70 hectares between Tavarnelle Val di Pesa and Greve in Chianti, you'll find the Poggio al Sole winery. Actually, for Poggio al Sole, you shouldn't say 'in the middle,' but rather 'on top.' That's because the estate, owned by the Swiss winemaking couple Kathrin and Johannes Davaz, sits at the highest point of a sun-drenched hill – which is exactly what the winery's name means, translating to 'Hill in the Sun.'

The Davaz Family – Swiss roots, intertwined with Tuscany

Johannes, who is both the agronomist and oenologist at Poggio al Sole, actually comes from a well-known Swiss winemaking family. About 30 years ago, Kathrin and Johannes say they bought the winery 'on a whim.' Today, Valentino, one of their four sons, also lives here with his wife Steffi. They help out with the work in the vineyard, cellar, and agriturismo.

Jeremias, the oldest son, lives in Zurich and, like many others, is currently working from home. Nicola, the third son in the quartet, is studying medicine in Basel. And the youngest Davaz family member, Noè, is studying economics – also in Switzerland. Basically, the Davaz family has only been able to see and hear each other via video or phone lately. And that's likely to continue for a while, as long as the borders are still closed for private individuals.

Until they can visit again, the sons just check in virtually – asking Mom how to cook this or that dish, and especially which wine goes with it, Kathrin Davaz says with a smile. 'But it makes me happy,' she shares, 'that I could teach my sons to appreciate that food and drink are a piece of culture that brings people together and keeps them connected – all over the world!'

Johannes handles both agronomy and oenology at Poggio al Sole

Change is progress

Until just a few days ago, Italy had a really strict lockdown. You could only leave your home for urgent work or to buy groceries. And even then, it had to be at the supermarket or local grocery store within your town's limits – you couldn't cross those. Kathrin Davaz shares: 'You almost felt guilty just taking a stroll through the vineyard to check on things. But in the end, every single person has a responsibility for everyone's well-being and health.'

After more than seven weeks of lockdown, they've finally started to gradually ease the strict rules. Since May 4th, Italians can now walk in parks again, visit relatives, and move around within their region. 'One thing's for sure,' Kathrin Davaz smiles, 'Italy's dogs are especially thrilled that the lockdown is over. Since walking the dog was explicitly allowed, every single family member took the dog for a walk daily. First Mom, then the kids, then Dad, and the grandparents too, of course. Now the dogs are totally exhausted...'

But we're also incredibly relieved that the measures are finally being eased a bit. Those were really tough weeks, you know.

Johannes, a passionate winemaker with tradition

A fresh, youthful vibe at Poggio al Sole

It's also totally clear, though, that the Corona pandemic has really left its mark on the Italian economy – especially since things weren't exactly easy for Italy even before COVID-19. “After all the tragic losses Italy and its people have gone through, and the economic fallout that'll be with us for ages, getting back to life as we knew it, or at least something similar, will probably take quite a while,” says the winemaker.

But hey, life goes on, right? So the Davaz family decided to give the Poggio al Sole logo a fresh new look. One thing was clear: the name and the hill had to stay as key elements. And so, the new logo, showing the hill as a gentle curve, is a sign that things are moving forward, that there's a fresh breeze blowing at Poggio al Sole – and in a way, it totally is, with the younger generation getting more involved.

Valentino represents the younger generation at Poggio al Sole

And that gentle, fresh breeze is also what you feel in real life when the sun slowly dips behind the hills, and a cool evening air drifts through the vineyards. “It's actually the perfect time of day to open a bottle of Rosato,” Kathrin mentions.

Poggio al Sole

Super optimistic about the future!

The fact that Poggio al Sole is super positive about the future is clear, especially since new Sangiovese vines were just planted a few weeks ago. And talk about perfect timing! It started raining right after they were planted – ideal for the little plants to get settled and root firmly in the well-watered soil! This happened even though there had been a few frosty nights just days before...

Little young Sangiovese plants at Poggio al Sole

Here's another reason to cheer: The new Poggio al Sole vintages are on their way to me and you can already pre-order them in the online shop! Besides the Chiara, I've got a second white wine from Poggio al Sole, the Sangiovese Bianco, which is new to my selection. Also new is that Trafiore is now simply called Canaiolo, because it's made 100% from that grape.

Of course, the delivery also included the fresh Rosato “Primavera”, the wonderful Syrah, the Seraselva, and naturally, the Chianti Classico, plus, last but not least, the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione “Casasilia”. I've also got fresh olive oil from Poggio al Sole again – sadly, there wasn't much of it last year.

10% special discount #ChiantiClassicoWanderlust for all Poggio al Sole wines

The new Poggio al Sole vintages have just landed and are ready to order in the shop right now! This includes the perfect wines for those warm spring days and bubbly early summer evenings we're looking forward to: two wonderfully fresh white wines, the “Chiara” and the “Sangiovese Bianco” (which is new to me!), and of course, the fruity Rosato “Primavera”.

The Davaz family wants to give all my customers a 10% discount on all Poggio al Sole wines from May 8th to 17th, 2020. You can grab them, of course, at NinainChianti.com, with free shipping to Germany and Austria.

Explore all Poggio al Sole wines

So we can all keep enjoying our beloved Chianti, thanks to the amazing wines from this area, even during these tough times – or maybe especially now...