Il Molino di Grace
Panzano in Chianti
-
![Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico DOCG]()
Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico DOCG
Only Sangiovese grapes go into this fruity and elegant Chianti Classico. It's really lively and inviting on the nose, with fruit and spice playing off each other in the aromas. It's super drinkable and fruity, with a lovely balance of acidity and tannins.
-
![Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG]()
Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
At first, this wine is a bit shy, almost understated, but as you drink it, its amazing elegance and finesse really shine through. You'll find aromas of dark berries and fruits, with a hint of eucalyptus and thyme. Plus, there's a spiciness that reminds you of pepper. It's super smooth to drink, with bright acidity and lovely tannins.
-
![l Molino di Grace Il Margone Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG]()
l Molino di Grace Il Margone Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG
On your palate, the wine dances like a ballerina: graceful, expressive, and precise. On the nose, you'll pick up aromas of cherries, plums, and currants, plus citrus fruits and even walnuts. On the palate, it's remarkably elegant and precise. There's a delicate balance of flavors with a finely woven structure of acidity and tannins.
-
![Il Molino di Grace Gratius Toscana Rosso IGT]()
Il Molino di Grace Gratius Toscana Rosso IGT
This wine, made from Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Colorino grapes, reminds you of a classic Chianti Classico, even though it's an IGT wine. On the nose, it's super spicy, with aromas of cherries, red and dark berries, and citrus fruits. On the palate, it's powerful, spicy, and mineral, impressing with its complexity and depth.
From Dream Vacation to Winery
Il Molino di Grace was founded in 1998 by Frank Grace, after he and his wife bought the estate in Volano near Panzano in Chianti in 1995. The American couple fell in love with the Chianti region during a trip to Italy. The winery is named after a historic 19th-century windmill. But the estate's winemaking history actually goes back over 350 years! Villa Castagnoli, dating back to the year 1000 and now the main residence, along with the winery, were modernized and switched to sustainable production. Their first wine hit the market in 2002.
Chianti Classico with Finesse
The winery covers 60 hectares, with about 20 hectares planted with vineyards. The vineyards are located at altitudes of 280 to 450 meters, which gives the wines a special finesse and elegance. The microclimate at these heights provides constant, natural ventilation for the vines, helping the grapes grow super healthy. The Chianti Classico from these vineyards really captures the authentic taste of Tuscany, blending tradition with innovation.
Sangiovese Soul
Il Molino di Grace produces about 150,000 bottles annually of Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, and their Super Tuscan "Gratius." Their philosophy is all about creating elegant wines that truly express the terroir, especially the "soul of Chianti Classico," using Sangiovese as the base. The wine is carefully aged in wood to get the best possible result. For a few years now, Iacopo Morganti has been in charge of running the winery and overseeing wine production. He's brought fresh energy while still honoring their established philosophy. The winery also gets advice from the famous oenologist Franco Bernabei.
Sustainable with Energy from the Vineyards
Since Il Molino di Grace was founded, Frank Grace has consistently aimed to create a sustainable and biodynamic winery. They gently plow the vineyards only every three years, going down to a depth of 45 cm, to keep the soil structure healthy and boost biodiversity. Only organic fertilizer is used, which naturally helps the soil stay fertile. Plus, they cleverly use the pruned vine cuttings to generate energy, allowing the winery to operate mostly self-sufficiently and eco-friendly. The winery has been certified organic since 2010.
Old Craftsmanship and Modern Technology
Il Molino di Grace's wine cellar brings together old-world tradition with new-world innovation. It's housed in an impressive Tuscan stone building, cleverly built into the hills to keep the cellar temperature constant. Strict quality standards are the foundation of their cellar work. All wines are fermented in steel tanks, and then, depending on the type, they mature in traditional large oak barrels or smaller French barriques.
Sculptures That Tell Stories
Many of the modern sculptures from Grace's collection bring to mind myths or legends from ancient cultures. The four-meter-tall sculpture, "The Grape Bearers" by Sylvester Antony, is based on a biblical theme and stands in front of the winery next to the old, restored windmill. This artwork, made of laser-cut steel and grapes of vibrant blue and gilded glass, was commissioned by the Grace family and represents Il Molino di Grace. A statue of Saint Francis – the patron saint of animals – stands in the northern part of the garden. The sculpture by the famous Native American sculptor Paul Moore symbolizes the rich wildlife that this beautiful landscape nurtures.
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.