RINASCIMENTO AT MONTECALVI

Rinascimento, or renaissance, is a word that encapsulates so many aspects of Italian life. It means, as we know, ‘rebirth’ and it describes the renewal and revival of classical antiquity that marked the shift from the middle ages to modernity and which began in Florence in around 1350. (Do you not think it odd that this quintessentially Italian phenomenon is more often than not described by a French word?)

Montecalvi has been undergoing its own rinascimento since 2017, when it was acquired by the Drake family, the owners of the Collalto estate in Australia. Our fusion of Australian and American heritage landed us in Europe, which has been our home for more than the past two decades, and our love for Italy led us to Montecalvi, a jewel of an estate just outside Greve in Chianti.

Honouring Montecalvi’s winemaking history, which also dates back to the 14th century, with the last three decades of guardianship by the Bolli family, we have set about upgrading and updating the vineyards, restoring the old vines, and returning the focus to indigenous Italian varieties. The estate is now certified organic and is farmed sustainably. A significant renaissance has also taken place in the cellar under Tim Manning, who brings both long experience and genuine artistry to the wines.