Episode 028 | Il Molino di Grace - With Iacopo Morganti: Where Wine Meets Art and Character
Iacopo Morganti from Il Molino di Grace Winery
If wine has a personality, you can definitely see and taste it at Il Molino di Grace. In the latest episode of the Chianti Classico Podcast for Your Ears, Iacopo Morganti, who manages the winery, talks about one of the “artistic” wineries in Chianti Classico. He discusses sustainability, terroir, and art, as well as the vision of a man without whom none of this would exist: Frank Grace.
From a Tuscany Vacation to Founding a Winery: Frank Grace's Vision
It all started with a vacation – and a man with foresight. In the late 1990s, Frank Grace, an American entrepreneur, discovered the estate with the old mill, the “Molino,” in the south of Panzano in Chianti, together with his wife. He fell in love. With the landscape, the vines, the possibilities.
But unlike many others, he didn't just dream; he invested. In 1998, construction began on the new wine cellar. The story of Il Molino di Grace, an organic winery now known for its unique, high-quality Chianti Classico, began with the 2000 vintage.
The name says it all: “Molino” stands for the historic windmill on the estate, and “Grace” is a tribute to the founder. The Grape Carrier sculpture, the winery's iconic trademark, was commissioned by Frank Grace from German artist Sylvester Antony and is still featured in the logo, on labels, and at the entrance to the estate.
The Grape Carriers of Il Molino di Grace
Iacopo Morganti: The Man Behind the Wines
For over eleven years, Iacopo Morganti has been running the show. He brings not only experience from other top wineries but also his unique touch: precise work in the cellar, a great understanding of the terroir, and a deep connection to the Sangiovese grape.
In the podcast, Iacopo enthusiastically shares how the winery has grown, working closely with the Grace family. Frank Grace might be the founder, but its ongoing development is a team effort. Iacopo is the one who, day in and day out, helps make decisions out in the vineyards, in the cellar, and when choosing the best barrels.
Organic with real depth – and a strong stance.
Iacopo emphasizes that "organic" at Il Molino di Grace isn't just a marketing term; it's a deeply held belief they live by. The winery has been organic-certified since 2010, but this sustainable mindset was there from the very beginning, driven by Frank Grace's commitment to treating the land with respect.
They don't use herbicides, the soil is only worked when needed, grapes are hand-picked, and pests are controlled naturally (think: mating disruption). Even the pruned vine cuttings are used as an energy source. This creates a largely energy-independent winery that works *with* nature, not against it.
The Wines – A True Taste of Their Origin.
Of course, the podcast also dives into the heart of it all: the wines themselves.
The Chianti Classico DOCG is a fresh, authentic calling card – clear, juicy, and well-structured.
The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG builds on that: it's deeper, more mature, and more exciting.
And then there's the Il Margone, a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG made from grapes from the winery's best plots. It's a powerful, elegant Sangiovese that impressively showcases the potential of Panzano in Chianti.
Also exciting is the Gratius, a Toscana Rosso IGT, a "Super Tuscan" that isn't officially a Chianti Classico but could easily be a Chianti Gran Selezione in style. As an IGT, it's a "free wine" that also reflects Frank Grace's creative spirit.
2023 Vintage – Quality Despite Small Yields.
The podcast also looks at the present: 2023 was a tough year with huge harvest losses – about 70% fewer grapes than usual. Yet, Iacopo says, "What we have is fantastic." The concentration, depth, and balance of the few barrels from 2023 give hope for a small but excellent vintage.
What Stays: A Winery with Soul.
What makes this podcast so special is Iacopo Morganti's honest and down-to-earth tone. He's not a showman, but a man who knows his stuff and speaks of Frank Grace with great respect, whose vision still shapes him today.
Il Molino di Grace is more than just an organic winery. It's a place where art, nature, origin, and people come together – right in the heart of Panzano in Chianti, where Sangiovese truly shines.
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