Lower yields, higher quality: spring, frost, and summer heat produced a perfectly ripe Sangiovese with a clear and distinctive territorial identity.
Greve in Chianti, May 2025 – Vignamaggio (Link), the historic estate nestled between Greve and Panzano in Chianti, presents the 2021 vintage of its Chianti Classico DOCG Terre di Prenzano (Link). Made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes grown in the Prenzano – Petriolo and Orto – Poggio Asciutto microzones, this wine comes from one of the oldest agricultural estates in Italy, with over six centuries of history and a polycultural approach that integrates viticulture, landscape and hospitality. Terre di Prenzano is Vignamaggio’s interpretation of Chianti Classico Annata: an essential, vibrant, and deeply territorial expression of the appellation.
Vintage 2021
“Summer 2021 was hot and dry, but rainfall in the weeks leading up to harvest literally revitalized the vines, putting an end to the signs of water stress,” says Francesco Naldi, Head of Agriculture at Vignamaggio.
“In spring, a frost had already reduced yields, but in doing so, it improved the overall quality. The grapes reached full ripeness. Overall, it was an excellent vintage, with peaks of real distinction.”
The vineyards: Prenzano – Petriolo, Orto – Poggio Asciutto
The name Terre di Prenzano refers to the land where most of the grapes are grown: the Prenzano – Petriolo area, located in the highest part of the estate, between 340 and 400 meters above sea level. Here, on southwest-facing slopes with loose soils rich in stones and gravel—derived from Macigno sandstone—Sangiovese develops a balanced character, with medium body and vibrant fruit expression.
The Orto – Poggio Asciutto parcels, on the other hand, are east-facing and experience cooler, breezier conditions, especially during dry vintages. The soils here are varied, composed of fragmented clay from the chaotic mélange known as argille scagliose, and contribute to the wine’s overall harmony with added finesse, verticality, and tension.
Vinification and ageing
Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks, with fermentation and skin maceration lasting around 10 days. During this time,regular pump-overs and délestage are carried out to encourage balanced extraction. After racking, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is then aged in large oak casks (20 to 40 hl) for 12–14 months. It then rests for at least a further 3 months in bottle before release. Total production is around 130,000 bottles.
Tasting notes
The wine opens with an intense ruby red color. On the nose, it offers classic varietal aromas of Sangiovese—cherry and other small red fruits—framed by a subtle, well-integrated oak note. The palate is soft and enveloping, with silky tannins and a harmonious, persistent finish. A sincere, unpretentious Chianti Classico, ideal for everyday enjoyment yet capable of surprising with its authenticity.
Tasting notes
The wine opens with an intense ruby red color. On the nose, it offers classic varietal aromas of Sangiovese—cherry and other small red fruits—framed by a subtle, well-integrated oak note. The palate is soft and enveloping, with silky tannins and a harmonious, persistent finish. A sincere, unpretentious Chianti Classico, ideal for everyday enjoyment yet capable of surprising with its authenticity.
ABOUT
A new vision of Chianti Classico: this is Vignamaggio, a 400-hectare estate located between Greve and Panzano in Chianti. A place that is in harmony with the surrounding landscape, inserted within a polyculture vision that considers the centrality of wine and includes tending to the forests, cultivating olive groves, cereals, vegetable gardens, and the breeding of Cinta Senese pigs and sheep. Vignamaggio is one of the oldest agricultural estates in Italy and is among the founding companies of the Consorzio del Chianti Classico, which it proudly represents all over the world thanks to excellent products such as Chianti Classico Riserva Gherardino and Gran Selezione Monna Lisa. Vignamaggio’s widespread hospitality is an immersive experience where guests can enjoy every element within a harmonious system designed to “make the day wonderful”: a celebration of the pleasure found in the little things and the great gifts of nature.