REGION: Tuscany

This bucolic Chianti estate in Empoli outside of Florence features vineyards with a complex mashup of soil types due to a geological fault line that runs beneath the property. Piazzano produces quality wines of typicity at a fraction of the price of Chianti Classico a few miles to the east.

Founded by the Troiani family in 1959 this small estate has vineyards located at 200 meters above sea level, the ideal altitude for growing the Vernaccia variety. Low yields, gentle pressing and conscientious winemaking, produce clear, vibrant expressions of Vernaccia and Sangiovese.

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From his 10 hectares, Giacomo Mori makes some of the most honest and notable Chianti in the region, but because his property falls outside the Classico zone his prices remain extremely reasonable. His entry level Chianti has been called “one of my favorite[s]” by Antonio Galloni.

One of the top estates in Montalcino! Laura Brunelli, wife of the late Gianni, crafts her signature expressions of Sangiovese by blending from two distinct sites: the warm, rich Podernovone and the cool, airy Le Chiuse di Sotto. The wines achieve great balance, no matter what the vintage brings.