Castelvecch: A Journey into the History and Heart of Chianti Wine

Castelvecchi in Radda in Chianti: A Journey into the History and Heart of Chianti Wine

In the pulsating heart of Chianti Classico, among the rolling hills and vineyards that paint the Tuscan landscape with infinite shades of green and gold, stands Castelvecchi, one of the oldest and most fascinating places in Radda in Chianti. This small village, immersed in the history and culture of wine, represents a living testimony to the Chianti identity and winemaking tradition that has made this region famous throughout the world.

The Origins of Castelvecchi
The history of Castelvecchi has its roots in the Early Middle Ages. The toponym itself – “Castelvecchi” – indicates an “old castle”, probably built for defensive purposes at a time when the Chianti region was disputed between Florence and Siena. Historical documents mention the village as early as the 12th century as a fortified rural settlement, inhabited by farmers, monks and small landowners linked to sharecropping.

Located in a strategic position a few kilometers from Radda, the ancient capital of the Chianti League (established in 1384 by the Florentine Republic), Castelvecchi enjoyed a certain prosperity in the late Middle Ages, favored by its agricultural vocation and its relative proximity to the “via Chiantigiana”, the road axis that connected Florence to Siena.

A Village Reborn
In the following centuries, Castelvecchi experienced alternating fortunes, following the fate of the Tuscan countryside. However, in the 19th and 20th centuries, the town experienced a rebirth thanks to the rediscovery of quality agriculture and the revival of viticulture. The village was restored, respecting the original architecture made of pietra serena, tiled roofs, loggias and internal courtyards, and today represents an emblematic example of the recovery of the Tuscan rural heritage.

Today Castelvecchi is also a renowned agricultural and winery, which welcomes visitors from all over the world for tastings, stays and tours among the vineyards, offering an authentic experience in the heart of Chianti.

Chianti Wine: Pride of a Territory
It would be impossible to talk about Castelvecchi without mentioning Chianti wine. This location is an integral part of the Chianti Classico DOCG denomination, the oldest and most prestigious production area of ​​Chianti, delimited since 1716 with an edict of the Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici.

Chianti Classico is a structured, elegant red wine, obtained mainly from Sangiovese grapes (at least 80%), often accompanied by native vines such as Canaiolo and Colorino, or international ones such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is known for its refined aromatic profile, which combines notes of cherry, violet, spices and light earthy hints.

The Castelvecchi vineyards, planted on soils rich in galestro and alberese, benefit from perfect exposure to the sun and a good temperature range, ideal elements for optimal ripening of the grapes. The wines produced here, often aged in oak barrels, are distinguished by their complexity, longevity and a strong connection with the terroir.

Tradition and Future
Castelvecchi embodies the perfect harmony between peasant tradition and winemaking innovation. While the village retains its medieval roots, wine production is now cutting-edge, respectful of the environment and sustainable practices.

Visiting Castelvecchi means not only discovering an enchanted corner of Tuscany, but also living a cultural and sensory experience in the round, in which history, landscape and wine blend together in a story that has lasted for over eight hundred years.

Conclusion

Castelvecchi is not just a place, but a symbol of the civilization of Tuscan wine. In this evocative corner of Radda in Chianti, every stone tells a story, every glass of wine contains centuries of knowledge. A heritage to be preserved and passed down, in which the past becomes present, and the present looks to the future with passion and respect.

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