Pieve di Campoli:Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future in Chianti Classico
Pieve di Campoli: Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future in Chianti Classico
In the heart of Chianti Classico, just south of Florence, Pieve di Campoli is quietly building a reputation grounded in authenticity, sustainability, and deep respect for heritage vineyards. The estate spans 50 hectares under vine and produces approximately 60,000 bottles annually—but its most compelling story lies in a single 15-hectare plot of old vines planted in 1974.
This historic vineyard, acquired along with the rest of the estate in the 1990s, is a living archive of traditional Chianti varieties: Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano, and Colorino. Still trained in the archetto toscano (Tuscan arch) style typical of the 1970s, the vineyard stands out not only for its age but for its character. “It’s a classic expression of a past era,” the estate says, “and we try to preserve these vines for as long as possible.”
From this site, Pieve di Campoli produces several key wines, including varietal expressions of Canaiolo and Trebbiano, as well as components for their Chianti Classico and Gran Selezione bottlings. Yields are deliberately kept low—around 25 quintals per hectare—allowing the old vines to express themselves fully. The result is wines with impressive depth, complexity, and a clear sense of place.
What makes this vineyard particularly significant today is not just its history, but its contribution to the future of the estate. Cuttings from the old vines are used as propagation material for new plantings, helping to preserve genetic heritage while reinforcing biodiversity across the property. “These vines give us a unique legacy in terms of both character and resilience,” the winemaker notes. “We’ve also found them to be more resistant to trunk diseases, which makes them vital from a sustainability perspective.”
The estate’s approach to these old vines is far from sentimental. It’s practical, forward-thinking, and rooted in a belief that old vines—when well cared for—can continue to be a source of innovation and identity. Single-varietal crus made from the historic vineyard are central to this philosophy, revealing the subtlety and structure that only mature vines can offer.
When Pieve di Campoli was purchased in the 1990s, the vineyard wasn’t the only reason—but its value was evident from the start. Today, it forms the heart of the estate’s story. “The complexity these vines bring to our wines is unique,” says the team. “They’re part of who we are, and we see their preservation as a responsibility.”
In a region where the push for quality increasingly meets the need for sustainability, Pieve di Campoli shows how the old and the new can thrive together. Their vineyard from 1974 is more than a piece of history—it’s a foundation for the future of Chianti Classico.
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