Vecchie Terre di Montefili, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
The Anfiteatro Vineyard planted in 1975
Vecchie Terre di Montefili – Where old vines are empowered to tell their story
High above the hills of Panzano in Chianti Classico, Vecchie Terre di Montefili is a winery defined not only by its remarkable location and terroir but by its deep respect for the past—and for the quiet power of old vines. With just 12.5 hectares under vine and an artisanal production of 38,000 to 40,000 bottles annually, Montefili is a beacon of authenticity, sustainability, and timeless Tuscan character.
At the heart of the estate lies Anfiteatro, a 2.25-hectare vineyard that is the soul of Montefili. Planted in 1975 with Sangiovese and trained in the traditional Tuscan ‘doppio capovolto’ system, Anfiteatro is the winery’s oldest—and most cherished—vineyard. It was here that the estate’s story began. The fruit from Anfiteatro gave rise to Montefili’s very first bottles in the early 1980s, and ever since, this vineyard has been vinified separately, in quiet recognition of its singular voice.
When new custodians acquired the estate in 2015, their vision centred on this parcel. Preserving and enhancing the identity of Anfiteatro was not just a goal—it was the driving force behind the entire investment. “At Montefili, Anfiteatro represents far more than a parcel of land. It is a cradle of tradition,” says Serena Gusmeri, winemaker and estate director. “Each year, as we walk among these old vines, we are reminded that true greatness comes from patience, respect, and the courage to listen.”
Anfiteatro’s character is shaped by its Pietraforte soils, rich in minerals and excellent for drainage, and by its low-density planting of 2,500 vines per hectare, giving each plant room to breathe and speak. These mature vines are now in perfect balance, yielding fruit of depth and precision, which results in wines of remarkable complexity, elegance, and ageing potential. Anfiteatro IGT Toscana, the wine that bears the vineyard’s name, is crafted for longevity, capable of evolving gracefully over decades.
Montefili’s commitment to the vineyard is both cultural and scientific. Every missing vine is replaced through mass selection, preserving the genetic integrity of the site. The vineyard is part of the Diversity Ark initiative, with ongoing studies into soil health, plant physiology, and biodiversity, including detailed monitoring of wildflowers and insect populations.
For Montefili, old vines are not a trend—they are a guiding philosophy. Each plot is treated individually, each harvest approached with tailored agronomic precision, and each vintage vinified to express the authentic character of the land. Anfiteatro is not only a great cru; it is a living archive of Tuscany’s viticultural past and a model of sustainable, regenerative viticulture for the future.
Here, old vines are not simply preserved—they are empowered to tell their story.
Sangiovese vines are trained in the traditional Tuscan ‘doppio capovolto’ system in the Anfiteatro Vineyard
The Montefili winery
Instagram: @montefili