Straccali

History

Foundation in 1925

Giulio Straccali founded Azienda Straccali in Castellina in Chianti in 1925. An oenologist, farmer, entrepreneur and wine producer, he intended his wines to introduce the scents, colors and flavors of Tuscany to a wider audience. Under his direction, the farm quickly emerged among the area’s most progressive and best-organized wine operations.

Protection of Chianti

During the 1940s, Giulio became known both for his approach to winemaking and for his active participation in the affairs of the Chianti area. He believed that the reputation and quality of Chianti required collective protection and played a determining role in establishing the organization variously identified as the Black Rooster Consortium and the Chianti Consortium, now the Chianti Classico Consortium.

Giulio served as the consortium’s vice president from 1942 until his death in 1969. His work combined wine production with institutional efforts to protect the Chianti name and its standing.

Acquisition by the Zingarelli family

In 1978, Italo Zingarelli, founder of Rocca delle Macìe, purchased the Castellina in Chianti company from the Straccali family. The acquisition formed part of his long-term business strategy and reflected a shared commitment to Giulio’s original vision for Tuscan wine.

Continuity under the present family management

Azienda Straccali remains the property of the Zingarelli family. It is managed by Italo’s son Sergio with the collaboration of Sergio’s wife and children, Andrea and Giulia. Sergio has also continued the family’s participation in the governance of the Chianti Classico Consortium and the production of the style of Chianti associated with Giulio’s work in the 1940s.

Since the late 1990s, Luca Francioni, winemaker at Rocca delle Macìe, has led the oenological team responsible for selecting Straccali wines. Although he never met Giulio Straccali, Francioni has sought from the beginning to maintain Giulio’s stylistic direction across the range.

1925Giulio Straccali founded Azienda Straccali in Castellina in Chianti and set out to communicate the scents, colors and flavors of Tuscany through its wines.

1940sGiulio Straccali became known for progressive winemaking and for his intensive involvement in the affairs of the Chianti area, including efforts to protect the Chianti name.

1942Giulio Straccali began serving as vice president of the consortium associated with the Black Rooster and the protection of Chianti.

1969Giulio Straccali died, bringing his tenure as consortium vice president to an end.

1978Italo Zingarelli purchased the Castellina in Chianti company from the Straccali family and placed it under Zingarelli family ownership.

Late 1990sLuca Francioni began working with Straccali wines and subsequently led their selection through the oenological team.

PresentThe Zingarelli family continues to own Azienda Straccali; Sergio manages it with the collaboration of his wife and children Andrea and Giulia.

Terroir

Azienda Straccali originated as a wine farm in Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany. Its identity remains linked to Tuscany and to Giulio Straccali’s ambition to express the region’s scents, colors and flavors through wine.

The present range extends beyond its Tuscan origins and includes wines associated with Chianti Classico, Chianti, Toscana, Provincia di Pavia and Puglia. Across this geographically varied portfolio, the house emphasizes a close relationship between each wine and its region of production.

Winemaking

Oenological team selectionThe wines are selected by an oenological team led by winemaker Luca Francioni.

Stylistic continuityLuca Francioni has followed the production style associated with founder Giulio Straccali since beginning work with the range in the late 1990s.

Tradition and innovationTuscan winemaking tradition is paired with newer production techniques and an emphasis on product quality.

Straccali wines are selected by an oenological team led by Luca Francioni, winemaker at Rocca delle Macìe. Francioni has worked with the wines since the late 1990s and has followed the stylistic direction established by Giulio Straccali, despite never having met the founder.

The production outlook joins Tuscan tradition with the use of newer techniques and a focus on product quality. The intended house character combines strong territorial roots, ready drinkability and a recognizable impression of each wine’s region of origin.

Philosophy

Azienda Straccali frames its identity around Tuscan tradition, family continuity and collaboration between the Straccali and Zingarelli legacies. Giulio Straccali’s model of the winemaker extended beyond production: it included active engagement with the Chianti area and collective action to protect the Chianti name.

The Zingarelli family presents its stewardship as a continuation of that project. Sergio’s involvement in the Chianti Classico Consortium and his commitment to the style of Chianti associated with Giulio’s work in the 1940s connect present management with the founder’s institutional and oenological priorities.

The range is intended to retain strong roots in its territories while offering drinkability and a clear recollection of each region of production. Tradition is paired with new techniques, while the search for Italian aromas, colors and flavors remains a recurring expression of the house’s purpose.