Geografico

The beginning in 1961

Agricoltori del Chianti Geografico began in 1961 through the initiative of 17 forward-looking winegrowers known as “Quelli del Geografico.” They understood the importance of the relationship between a wine and its specific territory of production, establishing the bond among wine, place, identity and solidarity that continues to define Geografico.

The organization subsequently developed into a reference point for growers based principally in the territories of Chianti, Chianti Classico and Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Sangiovese remained at the centre of its work.

Contessa di Radda in 1978

The Chianti Classico label Contessa di Radda was created in 1978. Its name and iconography refer to Countess Willa of Tuscany, mother of Marquis Ugo of Tuscany. The choice connects the label with the documented medieval history of Radda in Chianti and the Badia Fiorentina.

San Gimignano winery in 1989

The San Gimignano winery was acquired in 1989 for the production of Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Chianti Colli Senesi. The acquisition enabled Geografico to rationalize its production while establishing a facility specifically equipped for the temperature-controlled vinification of Vernaccia and the production and ageing of Vinsanto.

Piccini family stewardship

The Piccini family later acquired Geografico with the intention of preserving its memory and continuing its connection with the territory. Under this ownership, the organization retained its grower-based structure and continued to offer individual cultivators agronomic, oenological, production, logistical and financial support.

The new oenological project

A new technical project brought consulting oenologist Riccardo Cotarella together with Tuscan oenologist Alessandro Barabesi, who leads the winery’s technical team. Their work concentrates particularly on the historic Sienese denominations of Chianti Classico, Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Chianti Colli Senesi, while also encompassing more recent Super Tuscan expressions.

Cotarella’s role is to give further impetus to Geografico and the different terroirs represented by its growers. Barabesi approaches the organization with respect for its history and combines the rediscovery of older traditions and flavours with contemporary technical practice. History, respect and product quality form the values that the team seeks to carry into the wines.

Geografico’s grower network works principally in Chianti, Chianti Classico and the territory of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, with Sangiovese occupying the central place in its identity. Around San Gimignano, an association of 30 local growers looks after vineyards planted to Sangiovese and Vernaccia.

Each grower is supported through agronomic, oenological, production, logistical and financial assistance. The technical team selects the grapes intended for vinification, including the best lots used for the Borgo alla Terra range.

Geografico operates two historic production facilities, at Gaiole in Chianti and San Gimignano. Together they can receive up to 60,000 quintals, equivalent to 6,000 metric tonnes, of grapes. Modern technology is combined with an emphasis on careful grape processing and on allowing the fruit to express its characteristics.

San Gimignano

Acquired in 1989, the San Gimignano facility was established within Geografico’s production system for Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Chianti Colli Senesi. It has a vinification capacity of 10,000 hl.

Vinification takes place in modern temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Temperature management is used particularly to retain the characteristic aromas of Vernaccia. The winery also contains a dedicated area for producing and ageing Vinsanto in historic caratelli.

Gaiole in Chianti

The historic Gaiole in Chianti facility is the operational heart of Geografico. Its stainless-steel vessels are equipped with an automatic system for controlling fermentation temperatures.

The ageing cellar has a total capacity of 7,000 hl, divided between medium-capacity oak casks and barriques. A modern bottling and packaging line completes the facility.