Vigna La Fornace, Historic Vintages – Chianti Classico Gran Selezione D.O.C.G.

The La Fornace vineyard was planted in 1975 by the Toti family, sharecroppers of the Fornace estate since the early twentieth century. In 1975, the three brothers Natale, Renato, and Adolfo decided, in agreement with the owners, to plant just over one hectare of Sangiovese. The planting pits were all dug by hand and, as was once said, had to be “as deep as a man is tall.” The American vine rootstocks were later grafted with Sangiovese sourced from other vineyards at Villa Calcinaia. The vineyard enjoys excellent sun exposure and, being close to the Greve River—which near this point forms a bend as if the river and vineyard almost touch—is characterized by a higher sandy content in the soil composition. The presence of the typical gray clay used for brick production also explains the origin of the name “Fornace” (meaning “furnace” or “brick kiln”). The Sangiovese produced by this vineyard, due to this specific soil texture, naturally resembles those grown on the right bank of the Greve River and is often described as the most “Lamolese” of all Villa Calcinaia’s wines.