About 12 miles northwest of Florence, within the Tuscan district of Carmignano, lies the village of Capezzana, where unearthed parchments show wine was produced as early as 804. Capezzana is still producing wine, notably at the winery Tenuta di Capezzana, named after its village and owned by the Contini Bonacossi family since the 1920s. Today it is run by the family’s third and fourth generations.
Like Chianti, its neighbor, the major grape in Carmignano is Sangiovese. Beyond that, their winemaking parts ways. While many Tuscan wineries began adding Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux grapes to their Sangiovese in the 1970s, calling their product Super Tuscan, Carmignano’s vintners have been blending in Cabernet Sauvignon for 450 years. Add Merlot here, Syrah there and occasionally the Italian Canaiolo grape, and that is the base of Capezzana’s wines.
In a recent tasting of her family’s wines, third-generation Beatrice Contini Bonacossi sampled Trefiano Riserva ($55), a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo, an easy-drinking wine with fine acidity and excellent balance; the inviting Sessanta ($75), a 100 percent Merlot from a single vineyard; and Ghiaie della Furba ($55), which combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot for a mouth-filling wine.
She then moved on to five vintages of the winery’s flagship label, Villa di Capezzana, wines noted for their amazing structure and acidity, major reasons for their ability to age long and well. The youngest of the five, 2008 ($30), is 80 percent Sangiovese and 20 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend that makes a rich, well-structured wine with an aroma of dark berries and spice; a delicious, intriguing choice.
Ten years older, Villa di Capezzana 1998 ($150) remains well-knit, well-made and recognizable as a relative of the 2008. Jump back another 10 years to 1988 ($280) and this Riserva remains remarkably fresh for its age. Villa di Capezzana 1977 Riserva ($350) is beginning to show some age in its nose and color but retains a fine body, taste and aftertaste. We finished with Villa di Capezzana Riserva 1968, 46 years old and pale in color but still a firm, fascinating wine that does not bow to age. There is no price to give for this 1968 because there is none left to buy.
Read This Next
Lotte Hotel Seoul
2014 / February 2014
Jun 1, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jun 1, 2023Park Hyatt Tokyo Prepares for Its New Look
As Park Hyatt Tokyo prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary, it recently embarked on a complete renovation on May 7, with plans to reopen in 2025. The makeover will include all guestrooms and facilities, with the transformation led by design agency Jouin Manku, planning to create a fresh, modern feel.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
Daily
Jun 1, 20234 Reasons to Visit Montecucco, Italy, This Summer
Summer is so close we can almost taste it, and as many destinations worldwide vie for your attention, this Italian region awaits your visit. Montecucco, located in southern Tuscany, is a wine lover’s dream, with more than 350 grape varieties and 20 winegrowing regions. Winemaking in this region goes as far back as the Romans, who most likely saw their predecessors, the Etruscans, grow grapes with great success.
Daily
Jun 1, 2023London Concours Displays Golden Age Coupes
If you’re a fan of ageless luxury, make your way to England’s capital city for The London Concours, June 6–8 on the grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company. Presented by Montres Breguet, the event provides an opportunity to bask in the polished glow of nearly 100 of the most coveted, privately owned vehicles on the planet.
Sponsored Content
Treasure Every Moment in The Islands of Tahiti
Welcome to The Islands of Tahiti, where every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered. From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted with warm hospitality, time-honored traditions and an awe-inspiring landscape that will take your breath away.
Daily
May 31, 2023What Are You Waiting For? A Summer of Festivals in Zürich Awaits
Zürich is a vibrant year-round destination, but the city truly becomes abuzz in the warmer months thanks to exciting festivals, events and outdoor happenings popping up all around town. Below are a few of the many events happening this summer in Zürich:
eFlyer News
May 31, 2023Nobu Palo Alto Reveals New Japanese-Inspired Restaurant and Garden
Headed by renowned designer Shigeru Namba, Nobu Palo Alto’s Japanese-inspired restaurant and garden officially opened to the public this month, in which a sophisticated and refined extension greets patrons upon arrival. The new space and garden offer guests and diners an unparalleled venue in downtown Palo Alto, California, playing upon the seasons to showcase flora during its proper blooming periods.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Travel Insurance for U.S. Destinations?
If you’re traveling stateside, travel insurance is a must.
eFlyer Deals
May 31, 2023Father’s Day Luxuries at InterContinental New York Barclay
This Father’s Day, the InterContinental New York Barclay takes celebrations to the next level with its new offer, allowing fathers to enjoy a relaxing stay through a specially curated gift certificate.
ShareThis