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Monday, January 2, 2012

Paolo Cianferoni's Caparsa Wine Estate, Radda

Visiting Paolo Cianferoni at his Caparsa Wine Estate in Radda was a highlight of our Chianti Classico visit  to Tuscany. Chianti Classico region lies between Florence and Siena, bordered by the Chianti Mountains to the east and Elsa River and Pesa Valley to the west. Wines from this region are regarded amongst the best in Italy. The Chianti Classico Region is home to wineries that range from large-scale winery productions to small-scale artisan organic wine producers, like Caparsa.  To use the Chianti Classico logo (black rooster) all wineries regardless of size must meet the requirements for DOCG status. A wine with a Chianti Classico logo must contain at least 80% Sangiovese grape and 20% of other red grapes from the region,  plus meet all the criteria for the DOCG status.
Caparsa Wine Estate in October © Spaswinefood

On the last day of our Chianti Classico European Wine Bloggers post-conference tour we got to meet Paolo Cianferoni in his vineyards. The Caparsa vineyards are set on a hill overlooking a spectacular Tuscany landscape.
Caparsa Wine Estate © Spaswinefood
Paolo Cianferoni, Winemaker
Our meeting with Paolo was like watching a well-crafted documentary unfold. First, we were given the history of the Caparsa Wine Estate. This was followed by a tour of the wine cellar and then the tasting. While the story line is common it was the passion that Paolo brings to wine making, the beauty of the setting that connected me to the lived experience of this wine maker.  Joe at Wine Country Getaways shared a similar connection. Wine Trekker TV also made a clear connection between this winemaker and his wines.
Paolo Cianferoni, Winemaker © Spaswinefood

Wine blogger Magnus Reuterdahl captured Paolo Cianferoni's wine making story on video. This artesanal winemaker produces organic Chianti Classico wine, with not only passion for making a great Sangiovese but, with a deep respect for nature. Other winebloggers posts on the Caparsa visit include Caroline Henry in the Wine Travel Guides Blog and Schiller - Wine.

The Setting
Nowhere is the Tuscan landscape more inviting than at Paolo Cianferoni's Caparsa Wine Estate.
Caparsa Wine Estate: Second take of view  © Spaswinefood
View two from Caparsa Wine Estate © Spaswinefood
Caparsa's Wines
Caparsa  produces an organic Chianti Classico wine called Doccio a Matteo.  An article in Sommelier's International picked Caparsa's Doccio a Matteo 2003, as the best wine tasted during their tour.  Winefriend's wine tasting notes captures some of the uniqueness of Caparsa's wines.  Caparsa website post includes a list of awards won by their wines.
Paolo Cianferoni pouring wine for visiting wine bloggers © Spaswinefood

Some of the wines we tasted during our visit were 2000 Doccio a Matteo and 2007 Doccio a Matteo.  In checking for reviews of Caparsa's wine I discovered Decanter's  review of Caparsa's Chianti Classico 2007 Doccio a Matteo;  Cellartracker's review of Caparsa's Chianti Classico 2000 Doccio a Matteo and 2001.  My favorite was the 2007 Doccio a Matteo.
Chianti Classico Doccio a Matteo © Spaswinefood
Chianti Classico Doccio a Matteo 2007 © Spaswinefood

I was not the only wine blogger captivated by our visit with Paolo. How could one not be moved by the passion behind the wine making at Caparsa? Magnus Reuthdral captures this best in his blog post on tradition, knowledge and quality. In Paolo's case, in his making of organic Chianti Classico Doccio a Matteo he brings a rich tradition and extensive knowledge acquired from being close to the land (terroir).

If your travels take you to Tuscany take the time to visit with Paolo Cianferoni at his Caparsa Wine Estate. I also invite you to join me in my travels in search of the best in Spaswinefood, or visit my travel column. 

Sharon
January 2012
Chianti Classico, Tuscany
© Spaswinefood

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