As the summer sun begins to mellow and the days grow shorter, the vineyards of Fattoria San Michele a Torri buzz with anticipation.
The harvest season, or “vendemmia” is upon us, marking the culmination of a year’s hard work in the vineyard. This moment is the true heart of winemaking, where nature’s gift of ripened grapes is carefully transformed into the exceptional wines that define our estate.
Located in the picturesque region of Tuscany, Fattoria San Michele a Torri spans 2471 acres of rolling hills, of which 222 acres are dedicated to vineyards.
The estate’s location is unique—straddling two of Tuscany’s most renowned wine-growing areas: the Chianti Classico region and the Chianti Colli Fiorentini, or Florentine Hills. This duality of terroirs enriches our winemaking, allowing us to produce a wide range of wines that reflect the diversity of the land and the traditions of Tuscany.
La ricca eredità della vinificazione a San Michele a Torri
Our vineyards are rooted in a centuries-old tradition of viticulture. The unique microclimate and soil composition of the region make it ideal for cultivating grapes that produce wines of extraordinary quality. The local soils, rich in minerals, combined with the temperate climate of the hills, create the perfect conditions for grapevines to thrive.
At Fattoria San Michele a Torri, we grow a diverse selection of native grape varieties that are the cornerstone of traditional Tuscan wines. Sangiovese, the principal grape of Chianti, dominates our vineyards, known for producing wines with vibrant fruit flavors and a soft tannin structure.
Alongside Sangiovese, we also grow native varieties like Canaiolo, Colorino, Malvasia Rossa, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Trebbiano, and San Colombano. These grapes contribute to the rich diversity of our wines, each offering its own distinct character and history.
In recent years, we have also introduced international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Bianco, and Petit Manseng. These additions allow us to craft wines that blend local tradition with global inspiration, creating a portfolio that reflects both the past and the future of Tuscan winemaking.
La vendemmia di agosto: un momento di cura e maestria
The harvest at San Michele a Torri typically begins in late August and stretches into early autumn. This period is one of great activity and excitement.
Our team of skilled vineyard workers, some of whom have been with us for generations, carefully hand-pick the grapes at the peak of ripeness. The goal is to harvest only the best fruit, ensuring that each grape contributes to the exceptional quality of our wines.
This meticulous process requires patience and an intimate knowledge of the vines. Our vineyards are divided into specific parcels, each with its own microclimate and soil characteristics. As the grapes ripen, we carefully monitor the sugar levels, acidity, and tannin structure to determine the perfect time for harvest. The balance of these elements is essential to producing wines that are true to the character of both the vineyard and the vintage.
Once harvested, the grapes are transported to our cellar in special containers designed to prevent damage to the fruit. This attention to detail continues in the cellar, where the winemaking process begins. The grapes are gently pressed to release the must, which will undergo fermentation to become wine. For our red wines, including our signature Chianti Classico, the must is left to macerate with the grape skins, allowing for the extraction of color, tannins, and rich flavors.
A Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
At Fattoria San Michele a Torri, our winemaking is guided by a commitment to quality and sustainability.
We adhere to organic farming practices across our vineyards, ensuring that our grapes are cultivated in harmony with the environment. This approach not only preserves the integrity of the land but also enhances the quality of our wines, allowing the true expression of the terroir to shine through.
Our respect for tradition is balanced with a forward-thinking philosophy. While we honor the time-honored methods of winemaking passed down through generations, we also embrace innovation, constantly refining our techniques to enhance the quality of our wines. This combination of tradition and modernity is what sets Fattoria San Michele a Torri apart, allowing us to produce wines that are both classic and contemporary.
Vini che raccontano la storia della terra
The wines of Fattoria San Michele a Torri are a true reflection of the land they come from.
Our Chianti Classico is a quintessential expression of the region, with notes of cherry, plum, and a hint of spice, balanced by soft tannins and a vibrant acidity. It’s a wine that speaks of the sun-drenched vineyards and the care with which the grapes are cultivated.
In addition to Chianti Classico, we produce a wide range of wines, from fresh and aromatic whites to rich and full-bodied reds. Each bottle tells the story of the vineyard it was born from, capturing the essence of the terroir and the spirit of Tuscany.
As we celebrate another successful harvest, we invite you to experience the wines of Fattoria San Michele a Torri. Whether you are enjoying a bottle of our Chianti Classico or one of our international varietals, you are tasting the culmination of a year’s work in the vineyard and the passion that drives our winemaking.
The harvest season is a time of joy and reflection for us, as we gather the fruits of our labor and look forward to sharing them with you. Raise a glass to the beauty of Tuscany, the richness of its land, and the timeless tradition of winemaking. Cheers!
