Badia a Coltibuono is a historic estate located in Chianti Classico with origins tracing back to the Middle Ages. The site, formerly an abbey established in 1051, features a bell tower dating from the 1700s. The estate was secularized by Napoleon in 1810 and has since evolved into a prominent wine producer. The current owners, the Stucchi Prinetti family, took over in 1846.
The estate spans 700 hectares, predominantly covered in forest, with 63 hectares of vineyards located in Monti and 9 hectares in Vaglialgi. Badia a Coltibuono has a long-standing commitment to organic farming, achieving certification in 2002 through the rigorous Delinat guidelines. These guidelines prioritize biodiversity, and the estate is now pursuing agroforestry practices.
In 2023, vineyard conditions proved challenging due to excessive moisture leading to the use of more copper in their treatments than usual. Despite typically keeping copper usage below 2 kg/ha, they had to increase it to 5 kg/ha that year. The estate employs innovative composting methods, utilizing stems, marc, and occasionally sheep manure, to maintain soil health.
The Wines
RS Cultusboni Chianti Classico 2021
A pure Sangiovese wine with minimal oak aging, producing 80,000 bottles. It showcases bright and vivid notes of spice, gravel, and tar, creating a wild, expressive style with rich fruit and a spicy finish. Rating: 92/100
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2021
This traditional blend primarily consists of Sangiovese along with other classic varieties, from massale selections made in the 1980s. Fermented with wild yeast and employing gravity for winemaking, it exhibits a juicy, linear quality with hints of mint and a solid structure. Rating: 93/100
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva 2011
A bold wine, rich with flavors of cherries and plums, exhibiting appealing evolution and a well-balanced palate. Rating: 93/100
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
This wine offers beautiful aromas of raspberry and cherry, characterized by fresh red fruit qualities and a light, elegant style, enhanced by minerals and herbs. Rating: 95/100
Badia a Coltibuono Cultus Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Composed of 80% Sangiovese, this modern wine is aged in barriques, showcasing ripe, polished berry flavors and a grippy character. Rating: 93/100
Badia a Coltibuono Montebello 2018 IGT Toscana
A blend of nine varieties aged in barrels, presenting defined notes of herbs and spices alongside sweet fruit characteristics. Rating: 94/100
Badia a Coltibuono Vinsanto de Chianti Classico 2014
Utilizes larger barrels to favor less oxidation. This intense wine features juicy apricot and almond notes, culminating in a complex and vibrant profile. Rating: 95/100
Badia a Coltibuono Occhio di Pernice 2008
A sweet and rich Sangiovese that showcases complexity with notes of spice and honey, resulting in a bold and rich finish. Rating: 96/100
Website: www.coltibuono.com