Introducing the Roccolo blog: Elisabetta Gnudi and Alessandra Angelini

Elisabetta Gnudi explains that her interest in Tuscany grew from a desire to work in the countryside and that wine appeared to offer the most rewarding agricultural path. She and Alessandra Angelini recall their first visit to Borgo Scopeto, the abandoned buildings, the roofless tower, the intact cistern, the ancient cypress avenue and the view of Siena. Gnudi abandoned negotiations for another Chianti property and acquired Borgo Scopeto from its Swiss owner with a handshake.

They describe a complex containing architectural layers from the medieval tower through later additions. The restoration retained these accumulated traces while architect Umberto Sifola helped create restrained contemporary interiors. Gnudi’s son documented the works and made the photographic prints displayed in the hotel and cellars.

Angelini presents the Borgo Scopeto Experience as an extension of the estate’s wine, olive oil, vineyards, kitchen garden and honey. Maurizio Baccili created an artwork that was divided into detachable labels for a very limited bottle series. The owners also discuss renewable energy, biological water purification, efficient heating and cooling, ISO 14001 certification, more than 300 hectares of supporting woodland, an apiary, an orchard of old cultivars, aromatic crops, DOP olive oil and balsamic vinegar made from their grape must and aged for eight years.