Il Bacio winery

Imagine a little valley, almost hidden among the hills that surround the historical Chianti area, olive groves and vineyards everywhere. A few old renaissance villas dominating it and, not so far from these an old farmhouse. Its main building is completely adorned by the old ornamental vine that changes color as seasons take turns all year round. I could have made this all up, but this postcard-like picture is what one sees when visiting Il Bacio winery.

Il Bacio winery family

Rossi family own and run a small winery: Il Bacio. Franco and Sonia moved here in the early nineties. They took it over from Sonia’s grandparents and turned it into an organic farm and agriturismo. They have about 800 olive trees and 4 hectares of vineyards. Although Franco is the real founder of what this farm is now, replacing old vines by following the organic farming methods when these were still not so popular. Also, he restored the old buildings, part of which date back to the 1400’s. He organized a small cellar in the basement. Initially just with the help of his wife Sonia. In time one their three children decided to follow his father’s footsteps and so Daniele, after studying winemaking is now in charge of the farm. This restless young man does it all, from the field to the cellar work.

Their wines

The four hectares of vineyards are a concentration of tradition and innovation together. They grow several varieties of grapes here: the typical Sangiovese, used mainly for the production of their Chianti DOCG. Here we may find a small percentage of Merlot in some vintages, with a brief passage in used oak barrels. This, to become a wine that is always fresh and well balanced, the ideal match for everyday meals that is ready and enjoyable quite early but also capable of a few years of refining the bottle.

The supertuscans

The more modern Merlot and Cabernet are what Daniele likes to play with in different ways, following the trend dictated by each vintage and interpreting it with his personal touch to make the two or three Supertuscan wines they offer. The Supertuscans change every year but always include a pure Cabernet, obviously made with the top selection of this variety. When the weather conditions are right, Daniele also makes a Gran Selezione version. Here he uses part of the stalks during the fermentation to build up an even bolder body. This gives the wine greater longevity and complexity – the right luggage to become a true meditation wine.

The other Supertuscan that is always produced is called Savium. It is usually where Merlot plays the role of main character, supported by Sangiovese and/or Cabernet, in different percentages. The aim is to obtain a full body wine that is complex but easily approachable. Great on its own, but also perfectly matched with richer dishes.

The white wine and the rosé wine

At Il Bacio winery they grow also some white grapes – not so common in this area – including Moscato and Sauvignon Blanc. These grapes are used to make a white wine with a great aromatic trait that reminds of ripe summer fruits but with a refreshing dry taste. Perfect as an aperitive, especially when accompanied with some Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

To complete the family we also find a rosé wine. This is the latest addition and in different vintages it has included different percentages of the red varieties grown here to make a wine that I like to consider the most playful of the lot: the ideal “by-the-pool” wine.

Now, wouldn’t it be great to not just imagine this postcard, but actually experience being inside it? This would be the only way to really enjoy the beauty of the landscape, the goodness of the wines and the friendliness of Franco, Sonia and Daniele and we would be happy to take you there!