Find insightful articles on Tuscany & Wine in general and Chianti Classico in particular, organic and biodynamic agriculture and everything else that has anything to do with the world of wine like food/wine pairings, making or history of wine, holidays and more.
🍷 What’s the difference between Chianti and Chianti Classico?
Classico and Chianti are not the same wine.👉 Chianti Classico is produced only in the historic Chianti area between Florence and Siena, following stricter DOCG rules and marked by the famous Black Rooster (Gallo Nero).👉 Chianti DOCG, often called “regular Chianti,” comes from a much larger area of Tuscany with more flexible production rules, allowing greater variation in style and quality. 📍 Origins of Chianti Classico The Chianti Classico zone was officially delimited in 1716 by Cosimo III de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. It includes towns like Greve, Radda, Castellina, Gaiole, and parts of San Casciano, Barberino, and Castelnuovo… read more
Why Fattoria di Montemaggio Is a Certified Organic Winery
More and more wine lovers are looking for natural, sustainable wines they can trust. But what does “organic wine” really mean? And why did Fattoria di Montemaggio choose to go fully organic? In this article, we’ll explain why our winery is certified organic, what that involves in both vineyard and cellar, and how it impacts the quality of our Chianti Classico. ✅ What Is Organic Wine? Organic wine is produced without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. In Europe, only wines that comply with strict regulations (EU Regulation No. 834/2007) and pass inspections by a certified body can be labeled… read more
The Scent of Wine: A Sensory Journey at Montemaggio
Imagine standing in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. In front of you, a glass of ruby red wine. The golden Tuscan sunlight filters through the vines, and the only sound around you is the whisper of the wind. You lift your glass, bring it gently to your nose… and your journey begins. Because wine is not tasted with the mouth. It begins with the nose. Why Does Wine Have a Scent? At Montemaggio, every wine tasting starts not with a sip, but with a breath. That’s because wine tells its story through its aroma – long before you… read more
July in the Vineyards: Growth, Care and Expectations Under the Summer Sun
July is one of the most decisive months of the year for viticulture. In Italian vineyards – from the hills of Piedmont to the valleys of Tuscany, down to the sun-drenched slopes of Sicily – the vine enters a crucial stage in its vegetative cycle. Long, sunny days encourage intense biological activity: the landscape transforms, becoming denser, greener, and more vibrant. It’s a month that demands attention, precision, and expertise — here, the hand of the grower truly makes a difference. In this article, we’ll walk with you among the rows to discover what happens in vineyards in July, the… read more
Wine & Mindfulness: The Art of Tasting with Presence and Awareness
In the rolling hills of Tuscany, where time seems to slow and nature breathes freely, wine is more than a drink. It is a path—a gateway to presence, beauty, and connection. At Montemaggio, we cultivate this philosophy in every bottle, inviting you to rediscover wine through a mindful lens. Enter the world of Wine Mindfulness: a harmonious union of conscious awareness and wine culture. It's about transforming a simple tasting into a meaningful ritual—one of gratitude, stillness, and sensory awakening. What Is Wine Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment. It’s an open,… read more
The Unique Terroir of Radda in Chianti: The Soul of Montemaggio Wines
Radda in Chianti, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, is much more than just a wine destination — it is a unique viticultural microcosm where land, history, and climate come together to create wines of extraordinary elegance and character. In this privileged setting, Montemaggio stands as an excellence that best expresses the authentic spirit of this land. 📍 Where is Radda in Chianti and why is it so special? Located between the provinces of Florence and Siena, Radda in Chianti sits at an altitude of 400 to 600 meters above sea level. This elevation creates a cool microclimate,… read more
Green Management in the Vineyard During Summer: Care, Balance, and Sustainability
Summer is an intense and crucial season for the vine. With long, sunny days, the plant enters its peak vegetative growth phase. It’s a time of energy and development—but also a moment of great vulnerability. It is now that the foundation is laid for the quality of the grapes and, ultimately, the wine. This is why green management becomes a central practice. It’s not just about pruning or organizing the vine, but about connecting with it—observing it daily, understanding its needs, and acting with precision. At Fattoria di Montemaggio, where every action follows the principles of organic farming, these tasks… read more
How to Enjoy Red Wine in Summer: A Montemaggio Perspective
Summer brings with it a lightness of being — long, sunlit evenings, meals that drift gently into twilight, and a natural leaning toward wines that refresh and revive. It is the season when crisp whites and pale rosés take centre stage. Yet for the discerning palate, red wine remains an essential pleasure — one not to be cast aside simply because the mercury rises. With a thoughtful approach to selection, temperature, and food pairing, red wines can reveal surprising poise and charm during the warmest months of the year. At Montemaggio, in the heart of Chianti Classico, we believe wine… read more
The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Chianti Classico Like a True Connoisseur
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena, the Chianti Classico region is one of the most iconic wine destinations in the world. More than just a wine, Chianti Classico represents a centuries-old tradition, a landscape of rolling hills, medieval villages, and a culture rooted in craftsmanship and hospitality. For those looking to experience Chianti Classico in its truest form, here’s how to approach it thoughtfully and thoroughly. 1. Understand What Chianti Classico Is (and Isn't) Before you even set foot in the region, get to know what defines a true Chianti Classico: The Black Rooster (Gallo Nero):… read more
Tasting in Chianti Classico: Live a Unique Experience in Fattoria di Montemaggio
Why Every Wine Lover Should Book a Tasting at Fattoria di Montemaggio If you love authentic wine, crafted with passion and respect for the land, there's one experience you simply can't miss: a wine tasting at Fattoria di Montemaggio, in the heart of Chianti Classico. In this article, you'll discover why this Tuscan estate is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and how a simple tasting can become an unforgettable memory. A Journey into the Heart of Chianti Classico Nestled among the rolling hills of Radda in Chianti, Fattoria di Montemaggio embodies everything that makes Tuscan wine so special: tradition,… read more