Castello Di Monsanto

Barberino Val D'Elsa, Italy

Castello di Monsanto owns some of the best vineyard sites within the appellation and are home to the largest reserves of Chianti Classico in Tuscany. In 1962, Fabrizio Bianchi founded the winery after it was presented to him as a wedding gift from his parents. That same year, pioneering Monsanto was the first winery to make a Chianti Classico Cru from the single 'Il Poggio' vineyard and worked to eliminate white grapes from Chianti Classico Riserva blend. Further, in 1981 Monsanto harvested the first 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Nemo, from the Il Mulino vineyard.

The Castello di Monsanto estate covers a total of 206 hectares (509 acres), of which more than half is wooded, while olive orchards occupy an additional 15 hectares. Estate vineyards, located at an altitude between 250 and 310 meters (82-1,070 feet), covers a total area of 72 hectares encompassing hand picked Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Trebbiano and Malvasia varieties.

According to Robert Parker, Castello di Monsanto "serves as a benchmark for the heights Chianti can attain."

"The avant-garde spirit that distinguishes Castello di Monsanto has always been the indomitable will to take routes that no one has yet explored. And the results continue to reward our family, each and every day. Salute." -Laura Bianchi

The Monsanto winery is owned by the Bianchi family. Father, Fabrizio and daughter, Laura manage the Winery today.