Harvest Season Begins: The Essence of Winemaking

As the summer heat gives way to the first signs of autumn, the vineyards of Fattoria San Michele a Torri come alive with anticipation.

The harvest season, or “vendemmia,” marks the culmination of a year’s meticulous care and dedication in the vineyard. It is a moment of transformation, when perfectly ripened grapes are carefully handpicked and guided on their journey to becoming wines that embody the essence of our estate.

Fattoria San Michele a Torri extends across 370 hectares of rolling Tuscan hills, with 55 hectares dedicated to vineyards. Our estate is uniquely positioned, straddling two of Tuscany’s most renowned wine regions: Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Fiorentini. This duality provides an extraordinary richness of terroir, allowing us to craft wines that express the diverse nuances of the land while honoring the deep-rooted winemaking traditions of the region.

A Heritage of Excellence in Winemaking

Winemaking at San Michele a Torri is a legacy that dates back centuries. The estate benefits from a unique combination of mineral-rich soils and a temperate hillside climate—ideal conditions for cultivating exceptional grapes. Our commitment to preserving and enhancing this terroir is reflected in the careful selection of grape varieties we cultivate.

Sangiovese, the backbone of Chianti, dominates our vineyards, yielding wines with vibrant fruit profiles, refined tannins, and a strong sense of place. Alongside Sangiovese, we grow other traditional Tuscan varieties such as Canaiolo, Colorino, Malvasia Rossa, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Trebbiano, and San Colombano, each contributing to the complexity of our wines.

To complement our native grapes, we have also introduced international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Bianco, and Petit Manseng. These additions allow us to blend tradition with innovation, producing wines that are both classic in their soul and contemporary in their expression.

The Harvest: A Ritual of Precision and Passion

Our harvest typically begins in late August and continues through early autumn. This is an intense yet rewarding time, when our team of expert vineyard workers—many of whom have been with us for generations—handpick the grapes at peak ripeness.

Each parcel of vines is monitored with precision, taking into account microclimate variations, soil composition, and ripening patterns. The decision of when to harvest is based on a careful balance of sugar levels, acidity, and tannin maturity, ensuring that each grape cluster is at its optimal stage for vinification.

Once picked, the grapes are transported in small containers to prevent damage. In the cellar, the transformation begins: gentle pressing extracts the precious must, which will undergo fermentation. For our red wines, including our renowned Chianti Classico, maceration with the grape skins enhances color, tannins, and complexity, laying the foundation for wines of remarkable depth and elegance.

A Commitment to Organic Winemaking and Sustainability

At Fattoria San Michele a Torri, sustainability is not just a philosophy—it is a fundamental principle that guides every step of our work. Our vineyards are organically cultivated, a choice that protects the integrity of the land and allows the purest expression of our terroir.

We embrace a balance of tradition and modern innovation, refining our techniques to enhance quality while respecting the natural rhythms of the vineyard. This approach ensures that each bottle reflects both the heritage of Tuscan winemaking and our continuous pursuit of excellence.

Wines That Tell the Story of Tuscany

Each of our wines encapsulates the spirit of our land. Our Chianti Classico is a true expression of the region, with bright cherry and plum notes, a hint of spice, and a vibrant acidity that makes it a perfect companion for Tuscan cuisine.

Beyond Chianti Classico, we produce an array of wines, from fresh, aromatic whites to complex, full-bodied reds. Every bottle tells a story—of the vineyard it was born from, the season that shaped it, and the passion that brought it to life.

As we celebrate another harvest, we invite you to discover the wines of Fattoria San Michele a Torri. Whether enjoying a glass of our Chianti Classico or exploring our international blends, you are tasting the dedication, tradition, and craftsmanship that define our estate.

Raise a glass to Tuscany, to the land that gives us these extraordinary wines, and to the timeless ritual of the vendemmia. Cheers!