History
Ancient roots
The architectural nucleus at Spaltenna is associated with a rural settlement dating from the Roman period. Its surviving parish church belongs to a local group that also includes San Giusto in Salcio, San Polo in Rosso, San Marcellino and San Vincenti. These churches share a plan composed of a nave and two aisles, quadrangular pillars and a semicircular apse.
The fortified parish complex
The medieval Pieve di Santa Maria forms part of the historic setting of Castello di Spaltenna. Its exterior is faced with narrow courses of ash-coloured albarese stone, a treatment also used on the tall bell tower beside the façade. Two corner towers and surviving embrasures reveal the defensive character of the complex.
Hospitality and wine culture
Castello di Spaltenna has hosted weddings in Tuscany for more than half a century, using the parish church, cloister, terrace and other historic spaces. Wine became part of the estate’s hospitality through its own labels, cellar tastings, restaurant pairings and retail shop.
A 2021 cellar list documented several vintages of the estate’s Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva and Cantina del Pievano Gran Selezione, alongside Rosato and Vin Santo. The present selection comprises five categories: IGT Toscana Rosato, Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC, Chianti Classico DOCG, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG.
2026: Vineria di Vertine
The Vineria di Vertine reopened on 15 May 2026 in the medieval village of Vertine. Conceived around Chianti Classico and Tuscan food culture, it combines Spaltenna wines with aperitifs, cured meats, cheeses and warm dishes in an intimate tasting venue a few minutes from the castle.
Terroir
Castello di Spaltenna stands at Località Pieve di Spaltenna in the commune of Gaiole in Chianti, within the province of Siena and the historic Lega del Chianti. The property lies among the hills and vineyards of Chianti Classico in the Tuscan countryside.
The estate’s terraces and outdoor spa areas overlook local vineyards and the Chianti hills. Sangiovese vines are part of the immediate landscape, while olive trees grow on the surrounding land.
Winemaking
Sangiovese is cultivated on the estate grounds, alongside olive trees. The grapes and olive oil are also incorporated into the wider hospitality programme: Sangiovese and olive-oil preparations inspire spa treatments, while estate olive trees supply the Castello di Spaltenna extra-virgin olive oil selection.
Philosophy
The wine selection is framed around tradition, authenticity and passion. Its presentation emphasises the different nuances of the estate’s wines, while the broader hospitality programme connects them with Tuscan food, the landscape of Chianti and the historic setting of Spaltenna.
The Vineria di Vertine extends this approach through simple food-and-wine combinations intended to express Chianti’s local culture and encourage an unhurried, convivial tasting experience.