Poggio al Sole
Davaz family
Poggio al Sole
Poggio al Sole means in englisch a hill in the sun. Poggio al Sole is situated at the highest point of a sun-drenched hill in the middle of the unique landscape of Chianti Classico and is owned by the Swiss winemakers Kathrin and Johannes Davaz. Or to be more precise the property extends over a total area of 70 hectares between the towns of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa and Greve in Chianti .
Melodious names, elegant wines
Trittico is the house wine of Poggio al Sole and is made out of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Three grape varieties, hence the "tri". In addition, the Davaz family produces Trafiore - between the flowers. A red wine, made from 100 percent Canaiolo grapes, which smells like the flowers between the vines. For the Syrah IGT are used 100 per cent Syrah grapes . And last but not least, the Seraselva rounds off the range. A 60 : 40 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Of course, the company also produces its own olive oil at Poggio al Sole - after all, around 1,500 silver-grey shimmering olive trees grow here.
Winery with tradition
Johannes comes from a well-known Swiss winegrowing family and he is agronomist and oenologist at the same time. Moreover Poggio al Sole enjoys a long tradition: the archives of the nearby Badia a Passignano Abbey prove that as early as the 12th century here were already cultivated wine and olives. In 1990 Kathrin and Johannes bought the winery "following a spontaneous inspiration" and since then have continuously expanded it. Today the vineyards of Poggio al Sole extend over 24 hectares of gently undulating vineyards with southeast to southwest exposure around the estate.
Chianti Classico Casasilia
Poggio al Sole produces eight wines: six red wines, one Rosato (Primavera from 100 % Sangiovese), and a white wine (Chiara made out of 80 percent Chardonnay and 20 percent Bianco di Sangiovese). However the main actor here is the Chianti Classico: 90 percent Sangiovese, 5 percent Canaiolo and Merlot - a true classic. The wine with the name Casasilia is a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from 100 percent Sangiovese and it is undoubtedly the top wine from Poggio al Sole. Actually the name Casasilia is a reminiscence of the time when the vineyard still belonged to the abbey Badia a Passignano and was called Casasilia.
Top modern
The Sangiovese grows on 14 of the 24 hectares of vineyards. But Canaiolo, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay sprout also perfectly on the typical Galestro soil of Chianti Classico. Johannes has also invested a lot of work in the cellar.The old cellar was built in 1972. At that time, however, grapes from only 10 hectares of vineyards were processed there. With the expansion of the vineyards in 2004, the cellar was also enlarged. Today there is a fermentation cellar with steel tanks and a ripening cellar with barriques - all top modern. At Poggio al Sole you can book a guided tour with wine tasting through the wine cellar.
cross-facing and analysing
An average of 100,000 bottles of wine are bottled every year at Poggio al Sole, always with the aim of respecting nature and its resources. That begins with their own electricity solar system and continues through to the sustainable cultivation of the vineyards. All wines have been certified organic since the 2016 vintage. The fact that Johannes is a true lateral and forward thinker is also shown by the fact that he uses his own pruning method: "Albarello modificato". If usually two or four shoots are left during the pruning, Johannes is convinced that three is exactly the right number for the optimal development of his vines and grapes.
Tuscany dream holiday
Vacation in Tuscany - a dream for many! However, a dream that can perfectly become true thanks to the wineries and their agriturismi - not numerous, but very beautiful accommodations directly at the winery. Poggio al Sole also has four spacious holiday apartments and a lovingly furnished double room in which you can make your dream of a Tuscany holiday come true. From every single apartment and room you can enjoy the view over the gently undulating vineyards, the woods and valleys that almost take your breath away.
Relax between the vines
From the highest point of Poggio al Sole you can enjoy a splendid view up until the neighbouring vineyard of Rignana on one hand and the abbey of Badia a Passignano on the other. Right next to the historic stone house is the swimming pool, where you can cool down and relax after an excursion to nearby Panzano in Chianti or to one of the many other enchanting villages nearby. A lukewarm summer evening, chirping crickets in the air, a smell of grilled food and a glass of red wine in your hand - what more could you ask for!
