Castello VicchiomaggioTuscany, Italy

Ancient castles, Tuscan landscapes, Florentine history, and award-winning Chianti Classico wines… a heady mix indeed.

This is Vicchiomaggio.

Our brochure attempts to illustrate some of the more interesting features, which in isolation struggle to describe a truly magical destination.

We really hope you enjoy this apéritif and that you will soon be tempted to experience the real thing.

John Matta – Castello Vicchiomaggio IWSC Italian Winemaker of the year 1997, 2002, 2005, 2010

Castello Vicchiomagio, Tuscany

According to a well preserved document dated 956, the Castle was known as Vicchio dei Longobardi (village of the Longobards) in Medieval times. It was rebuilt as it stands today between 1560 and 1580 (Renaissance) by the Gondi dynasty, then amongst the most powerful families of Firenze, (Florence). Strategically positioned atop a hill dominating the whole of the Greve Valley, it has seen considerable action over the centuries and in fact during the Middle Ages the Castle was crucial for the defence of Firenze during its feuds with the City of Siena, located 38 kms to the South.

During its long history Castello Vicchiomaggio has hosted numerous luminairies, particularly from the art world, most notably Leonardo da Vinci who it seems visited Vicchiomaggio during his noted sojourn in the Greve area while he was painting The Mona Lisa. Francesco Redi, the noted Florentine physician and poet, was also a frequent visitor in the late 1600s.

The History

Constructed around a central courtyard and dominated by its classic tower, the Castle has magnificent views over the Greve valley. It features its own Chapel, a Church, three large ballrooms seating up to 250, a state-of-the-art professional kitchen, 12 en suite bedrooms and a breathtaking infinity pool.

The Castello

The Vicchiomaggio Estate totals 145 hectares with about 30 of vines, and the balance being made up of olive groves, pasture and forest. A unique (for the area) private game reserve allows hunting of wild boar and other game.

The restored Castello complex comprises some 2,000 square metres of accommodation including bedrooms, halls and dining rooms, and additional buildings associated with the viniculture are situated adjacent to the Castello. Within the Estate boundaries are located a number of stone buildings, many of which present interesting development opportunities.

In total, the built area amounts to some 6,700 square metres.

In addition to the Vicchiomaggio Estate, there is a 13 hectare vineyard and substantial manager’s house known as Vallemaggiore situated near Grosseto on the Tuscan coast.

The Estate and Landholdings

Within its halls which are typical of the Renaissance period, is Vicchiomaggio Restaurant, an ideal meeting place to taste genuine food from the farm, prepared according to antique recipes that have been deliciously updated by our chefs.

In an extremely friendly and welcoming environment, rich in charm and history, our qualified personnel will take good care of you, providing excellent and attentive service yet never interfering with your personal sphere.

Fine Dining

Vines have been grown on and around Vicchiomaggio since the Etruscans so when the Matta family acquired the estate in the early 1960s it was not long before quality wine was produced to the present exacting and prize-winning standards.

Some 30 hectares of Vicchiomaggio are dedicated to viticulture, the predominant variety being the Sangiovese grape, which characterises the Chianti Classico area.

John Matta has combined the traditional and modern methods of production superbly, and his winery includes a state-of-the-art bottling and labelling plant, as well as seasoned oak barrelling. Annual production currently stands at some 400,000 bottles.

Wine making for a Millennia!

In addition to Vicchiomaggio, the Matta family purchased Villa Vallemaggiore in 2001. Located in the Maremma area of Southern Tuscany in full view of the sea (7 km), Vallemaggiore is one of the very few estates that can legitimately claim to be truly coastal. Thanks to its most privileged position near the sea, the microclimate that prevails at Vallemaggiore is very different to the rest of Maremma.

Constant sea breezes maintain the soil in a dry state, keep the foliage of the vines in perfect condition and ensure the whole area is well aired, even during the hottest summer days.

The soil at Vallemaggiore is sandy with a good quantity of clay and basically stone free, important details that contribute to the unique style and flavours of the wines.

The estate grows mainly Sangiovese which is particularly suited to the soil and microclimate of Vallemaggiore, together with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

Coastal Breezes, Fine Terroire

John Matta’s flair for viniculture has generated international recognition and prestigious awards notably being the recipient of The International Wine & Spirit Competition ‘Italian Wine Maker of the Year’ awards in 1997, 2002, 2005 and 2010.

These accolades not only reflect John’s genius in the field but also the characteristics of the land at Vicchiomaggio, which is admirably suited to the production of top quality Chianti Classico wines.

Award Winners

FSM2007

“ There’s lovely meat, ripe fruit and spice character to this wine, with tannins that are soft and integrated. Delicious and ready.”

92 Points. Wine Spectator

“ Aromas of ripe blueberries, blackberries and chocolate pie. Full body with soft and round tannins, lots of vanilla, toasted oak and berry character.”

93 Points. James Suckling

“ The best FSM ever. A wine not only capable of expressing all its varietal character but with intriguing aromas and long lasting flavours on the palate.”

Vini d’Italia 2012, Gambero Rosso.

“ Wine is pure sunshine, held together by water.” Galileo

John Matta IWSC Italian Wine Maker of the Year

1997, 2002, 2005 & 2010

Castello Vicchiomagio is located on a hilltop within Tuscany’s historical heartland, some 18 kilometres south of Florence, the region’s capital which is celebrated throughout Italy and the wider world for its heritage buildings and iconic bridges.

The small town of Greve, which is the centre of the Chianti Classico district, is 3 kilometres away from Castello Vicchiomaggio and boasts a 16th century piazza together with being populated with numerous quality Italian restaurants and bars.

The nearest airports are Florence - 30 minutes by car - and Pisa, which is an hour’s drive away.

Location

Genova

MilanoVenezia

Bologna

Firenze

VicchiomaggioSiena

Napoli

Roma

Vallemaggiore

Pisa