Valiano

“Everything I do is driven by an irrational desire to relive that moment and to share with others the joy and wonder that a glass of perfection can provoke.”—Mario Piccini

Chianti Classico is undoubtedly on an upward swing: the woodsy, inland, high altitude hills of galestro and alberese soils that once produced austere and unforgiving wines twenty years ago, are now in perfect step with our warming climate. It’s here you can still glimpse the truest nature of Sangiovese in its most ancient appellation. With nearly 1000 years of history of Chianti, we can finally say we’ve arrived.

Valiano inspired us with its honesty and accessibility—both in price and in flavor profile. Mario Piccini, scion of a winemaking family with roots back into the 19th century, refers to the estate as his dream and his home. Valiano –whose name derives from a Roman warrior who fought for Julius Cesar during the Gallic campaign and was rewarded these lands for his bravery in battle—is located in Castelnuovo Berardenga in the heart of Chianti Classico. Of 200 hectares of land, 75 hectares are vineyards, entirely cultivated organically, and certified as such from the 2018 harvest. The soils are mostly clay and stone, with the exception of the Poggio Teo cru, which is sand and stone. All work in the vineyards is done by hand, and the grapes are destemmed and macerated in stainless steel. Malolactic fermentation is not forced, and the wine ages for the most part in Slavonian oak botti. We look forward to introducing Valiano to the USA nationally!