Fattoria Montellori

The Montellori estate is sited in an area that is certainly not famous for its wines-it lies on the only sizeable plain in Tuscany, created by the Arno river between Florence and its outlet into the sea-but given enough enthusiasm and effort anything is possible. This is the case of the Nieri family, who grow Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Viognier, as well as the classic Tuscan white grapes on their 60-hectare property.

The most important wines of the estate, which besides the low-lying vineyards close to the Fattoria has some wonderful sites on the nearby hills of Montalbano and Cerreto Guidi, are without doubt the vini da tavola. Castelrapiti Rosso is made of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Bianco is a 100 per cent Chardonnay. Other wines of note include the Chianti Vigna del Moro and a varietal Sauvignon Blanc which created a great impression with its first vintage. Including a range of everyday wines, total production reaches about 300,000 bottles a year.