~ Tenuta di Bibbiano calls Castellina in Chianti home ~
In a land as ancient as Tuscany family lineage runs deep. This likely won’t and shouldn’t surprise anyone. However, what is slightly unusual is for properties to be owned continuously by one family. Tenuta di Bibbiano is one such estate.
Founded in 1865, the Marrochesi Marzi family has farmed Bibbiano without interruption and today, brothers Federico and Tomasso helm the estate. The family philosophy is simple. As Federico put it succinctly, “we respect the laws of nature.”
For Bibbiano, the organic approach is not a business strategy but rather an unchangeable rule of life. They believe that success can only be guaranteed by harmony with nature. The vineyards have never been treated with chemicals and since the late 1980s the estate has practiced organic farming methods.
Tomasso stated, “Our family has lived on this land for over 150 years and that experience shows that nature does not tolerate violence against it but is willing to generously reward those who treat it with profound respect.”
~ The vistas from Tenuta di Bibbiano are some of most majestic in all of Castellina ~
Bibbiano is located on the western slopes of Castellina in Chianti and overlooks the Val d’Elsa in the direction of Monteriggioni. Surrounded by vast olive groves of more than three thousand trees, the vineyards cover approximatly 30 hectares and rise between 270 and 325 meters above sea level. The plantings on the property are varied. Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Malvasia Nera, Ciliegiolo, Colorino, Trebbiano and Grechetto are all present on the estate.
~ The entrance to the villa and cantina at Bibbiano ~
Although the vineyard surface is not especially large, the total area of the estate is expansive. The Marzi family also run an Agritourismo with several apartments, a large pool, trattoria and enoteca. It’s a welcoming destination in a lovely area of Chianti Classico.
~ The Wine Shop on the Estate sells all of the family’s products ~
Today, I’m looking at one of the newest releases from the estate.
The 2016 Tenuta di Bibbiano Vigna del Capannino Gran Selezione is a deep, bright ruby color with violet reflections. One of two single vineyard Gran Selezione produced by the family, Vigna del Capannino is 100% Sangiovese and sourced from a 7 hectare vineyard.
Bright aromas rise from the glass including ripe cherry, crushed berries, fresh flowers and hints of warmed clay. On the palate, this is medium to full bodied, fruity and forward. The cherry flavors are woven with soft chestnut, soft spice and sweet pipe tobacco notes. Very silky, with refreshing acidity but seemingly devoid of tannin. As a result, this is so approachable right now and was generous straight from the bottle. Vinified in cement tanks, the wine is then aged in a combination of cement, Slavonian botte and French tonneaux. There is no trace of wood on the palate of this wine. It’s delicious now, but I’m not sure I’d cellar it for the long term. 93 points. About $32-$34. Find this wine & Support Tuscan Vines.
~ The Bibbiano Vigna del Capannino is fruit, forward and delicious right now ~
Stay tuned for more reviews from Bibbiano.
Salute!
Bibbiano is in the heart of the Castellina ‘neighborhood’; Rodano, Lilliano, Setriolo and Capraia are very nearby. These wines all represent the terroir of this part of Castellina (down hill from the town) very well, they seem to say something about the geography and culture of the area. Sigh…………….
Sigh indeed my friend….. I would still love to taste the Setriolo wines. Have never seen them and also haven’t tasted Lilliano in many years. Always work to be done!
Hey Steve… guess who I’ve made contact with? Susanna from Setriolo. Stay tuned!
That’s great! Susanna is a truly nice person and a great (and interesting) winemaker. She is a very small scale producer, my wife asked once if she ‘knew’ each grape vine, she responded ‘oh yes, many have a name!’. Her approach to deer control seems to be to make friends with the deer and ask them not to eat her grapes.
FWIW we were steered to Setriolo by Franco at the entoca in Castellina, he said “here’s a lady doing great things” as he handed the bottle to me. It’s interesting that he described his opinion of Susanna, rather than a detailed description of the actual wine. I think that’s a pretty Italian way to look at the world (and wine).
For us her wines sort of embody an experience greater than just the liquid in the bottle; it’s about Castellina, Setriolo, the dirt roads, the terroir and Susanna. I really don’t know how her wines will score in the numeric sense; but what I do know is what my wife said as she poured the last of bottle into our glasses, “There’s a lot of love in that bottle!”.
Sounds great! I cannot wait. I heard from her today and bottles are winging this way. Cheers!