Winery

 

History

Going back to its very beginnings in the 5th and 6th centuries AD, Farnetella was located in an elevated location, known as Castelvecchio, above the current village, where an ancient castle also rose. In the Late Middle Ages, the Conti della Berardenga, a noble family with origins in France, held sway.

They exhibited more interest than did the Lombards in ensuring open communication links with Rome, and perhaps inspired establishment of the Via Francigena.
During the most intense historical vicissitudes of the Republic of Siena (1200- 1500), the unique position of Farnetella, on the boundary of the territory it administered, contributed to not a few problems for its inhabitants, who often extended, or more probably were forced to extend, sanctuary to exiles of the opposing political side.

The toponym Farnetella derives from farnia, the English oak (Quecus robur), which grows in great profusion at Farnetella, particularly at Castelvecchio. The coat-of-arms of both the village and the winery display this oak, against a red background; it symbolises strength and longevity.

In 1981 Castello di Farnetella was purchased by the Poggiali family, owner of the Fèlsina farm in Castelnuovo Berardenga.

The Castle

The Castello too is part of the estate property, with the hamlet of Farnetella extending to its walls.
The castle has been destroyed many times, and just as often been rebuilt over the centuries: during the clashes between Florence and Siena, the struggles between the two political factions, the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, and the attempts to gain power by the noble families of the time.

The latest reconstruction dates to1889-1903, work of Habsburg descendant Giorgio Antonio Ferrari and his son Adolfo, who had a passion for archaeology and antiquities (his collection of Roman coins was renowned).

The initial project involved construction of a grand residence, similar to those of the Sienese noble families; it was to have resembled the ancient castle and to have hosted wealthy friends on vacation there. The project was perhaps too ambitious for its time and for Ferrari’s financial resources, for it remained unfinished. Nevertheless, the huge bulk of the castle and the adjacent village still characterise the present appearance of the village.

“Enriching and testifying to the history of the Castello di Farnetella remain numerous frescoes, imposing pieces of furniture, ceilings, and the magnificent carved woodwork in the dining hall, work of Sienese artist Giovanni Sammicheli”.

The Castle

The Castello too is part of the estate property, with the hamlet of Farnetella extending to its walls.
The castle has been destroyed many times, and just as often been rebuilt over the centuries: during the clashes between Florence and Siena, the struggles between the two political factions, the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, and the attempts to gain power by the noble families of the time.

The latest reconstruction dates to1889-1903, work of Habsburg descendant Giorgio Antonio Ferrari and his son Adolfo, who had a passion for archaeology and antiquities (his collection of Roman coins was renowned).

The initial project involved construction of a grand residence, similar to those of the Sienese noble families; it was to have resembled the ancient castle and to have hosted wealthy friends on vacation there. The project was perhaps too ambitious for its time and for Ferrari’s financial resources, for it remained unfinished. Nevertheless, the huge bulk of the castle and the adjacent village still characterise the present appearance of the village.

“Enriching and testifying to the history of the Castello di Farnetella remain numerous frescoes, imposing pieces of furniture, ceilings, and the magnificent carved woodwork in the dining hall, work of Sienese artist Giovanni Sammicheli”.

Terroir

Castello di Farnetella lies in a very distinctive climate niche, southeast of the Chianti Classico zone and north of Montalcino, bordering on the growing area for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. It lies wholly within the Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG zone, and thus enjoys a position within the overall geographical confines of the Chianti area.

The estate’s vineyards and olive groves are located near the medieval hamlet, at elevations ranging from 220 to 560 metres. The most representative vineyards, with most eloquently express the qualities of the terroir, are sited high up on a broad, well-exposed plateau beyond the village, at elevations of 520-540 metres.

The soils are composed of stratified sandstones, with alluvial lenses and clay mixed with mineral-rich sea-bed sediments, which ensure fine natural fertility.

Beginning in the early 1980s, micro-vinifications were carried out, vineyard by vineyard, with the objective of developing the full potential of sangiovese, the iconic variety of the local growing area, where it conveys impressions of smooth liquorice and anisette.
The vineyards were re-structured, by denser planting of vines and by new pruning techniques, in order to reduce the crop per hectare. Massal selection made possible the reproduction and preservation of the superior sangiovese phenotypes, which give Farnetella its unique character in the Sinalunga growing area.

The commitment of the winery to further develop the qualities and the winemaking potential of this terroir has made possible, though the utilisation of grafting-over and clonal selection, a re-planting programme with the most-widely planted international varieties, such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, and chardonnay, grapes that have found in the Farnetella terroir their ideal growing conditions.

Contact us

Telephone

+39 0577 355117

Fill out the form to send a message

Privacy consent