Panzano in Chianti
No doubt about it: Tuscany is a dream destination for people all over the world! And right in the middle of it all – halfway between Florence and Siena, in the heart of Chianti Classico – you'll find the village of Panzano in Chianti. At first glance, it looks like your typical Tuscan village: a church, a piazza, a cafe, a few small restaurants and shops. But if you take a closer look, you'll discover lots of charming little quirks, fascinating people, and, of course, amazing winemakers and wines.
Wineries in Panzano in Chianti
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Casaloste
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Fattoria di Rignana
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Fontodi
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Il Molino di Grace
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Il Palagio di Panzano
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Le Cinciole
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Le Fonti Panzano
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Monte Bernardi
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Tenuta degli Dei Cavalli
Panzano's Golden Valley
Panzano's Golden Valley – also known as the Conca d'Oro – stretches out like a shell below the village, and it's truly golden soil for making absolutely top-notch wines! Thanks to its unique landscape, you'll find perfect conditions for growing grapes here. But the spots on the other side of the valley are also becoming super important, especially with climate change. That's because where the vines aren't hit as hard by the heat, the grapes get more time to ripen slowly and perfectly.
In the World of the Gallo Nero
When it comes to delicious sips in Panzano, the "vino rosso" – that's red wine! – is definitely the star of the show! First up, you've got Chianti Classico in its three quality levels: Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. All three follow super strict production rules and are marked with the Gallo Nero – the black rooster. Of course, you'll also find fruity white wines and rosés, fancy "Super-Tuscans," heavenly Vin Santo, and let's not forget the extra virgin olive oil. It's all top-notch, high-quality stuff from the world of the Gallo Nero!
Unione Viticoltori di Panzano
The "Unione Viticoltori di Panzano" is basically a group of 22 winemakers from Panzano in Chianti. They started it back in 1995 with one main goal: to keep and even boost the quality of their wines, often through sustainable and organic farming. Sharing experiences and knowledge, getting to present themselves as a united front, and even the friendships that have grown among them, all make the Unione a really strong force in Chianti Classico.
Panzano sostenibile
Giovanni d’Orsi, who owns the Casaloste winery, is the president of the "Unione Viticoltori di Panzano." He's the one who speaks for all the Unione members. One of their biggest goals is to keep the region's agriculture organic and sustainable – or "sostenibile." That's because the winemakers know that how good their products are really depends on how healthy nature is. They understand that the "Panzano sostenibile" project is super important for their future.
Italy's #1 Organic District
So, sustainable thinking really found "fertile ground" in Panzano: most of the wineries here are organic certified. Some even go a step further and work biodynamically. Plus, the switch to "organic" is supported with technical help from the "Stazione Sperimentale per la Viticoltura" – or "SPEVIS" for short– . All these efforts have led to Panzano being called "Italy's first organic district" by the international wine press.
The Wine Festival
The yearly "Vino al Vino" wine festival in Panzano in Chianti's Piazza is definitely one of the best parts of the wine year. The Unione winemakers put on this event every year on the third weekend of September. To get in, you just buy a special Vino-al-Vino glass right there in the Piazza. With this glass, visitors can try wines from the Unione winemakers for three whole days, including lots of famous and award-winning ones. The Wall Street Journal even recently called this friendly get-together of about 20 wineries one of the "Top Five" wine festivals in the world!
Panzano & Nina in Chianti
This website is called "Nina in Chianti" – and that's no coincidence. After all, I spend about two months a year in Panzano. Partly, of course, because I just love being here, but also to visit "my winemakers." I learn more from them – about the new vintages and everything happening in the cellar and vineyard. And over time, many of them have become my friends.
Dario Cecchini
Dario Cecchini is probably Panzano's most famous resident – partly because he was featured in the Netflix documentary series Chef's Table, where top chefs from around the world share their culinary concepts. His Antica Macelleria Cecchini isn't just a butcher shop, but also a restaurant with three food concepts: at Officina della Bistecca, they serve the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina; at Solociccia, it's "meat only." And for a while now, there's also been the "Cecchini Panini" food truck, always at lunchtime by Panzano's "Gallo Nero."
Enoteca Baldi
The heart of Panzano in Chianti beats in the piazza! Here you'll find everything you need for the good life, and especially Mimmo's Enoteca Baldi. People meet here for lunch for a plate of pasta and a glass of wine, or in the evening for an aperitivo or dinner. The huge wine list is legendary. Whether you're at a table under the trees, inside at the bar, or at one of the other tables – you can just relax and enjoy yourself here!
For today's podcast episode, I'm visiting the Fattoria e Villa di Rignana winery in Panzano in Chianti, and Cosimo Gericke, the owner, is right here with me.