I decided to test this statement during my last trip to Tuscany, Italy, in July 2023. We headed to the little town of Poggibonsi to visit Cinciano, a producer that holds a notable place in the heart of Opimian Members. As we drove along the rustic country roads toward this beautiful hilltop estate, the vineyard vistas took our breath away. Cinciano spans 150 hectares, encompassing 40 hectares of olive groves and 24 hectares of vineyards of varying ages. No images can capture the splendor of Tuscany’s vast countryside.
On this beautiful, hot summer day, Giovanna Beraldo, Cinciano’s Managing Director, warmly welcomed us. She is always happy to welcome Opimian Staff and Members, many of whom had previously visited, including those from Opimian’s October 2023 travel groups. Giovanna guided us to the tank room, where Andrea Biagini, the winemaker and production manager, provided a comprehensive tour of the cellars. The tour concluded in the older cellar, which was once a tasting room
From winemaking to research and innovation, Giovanna and Andrea shared their rich history, passionate stories, and winemaking philosophy. Andrea talked about how he always tries to innovate while keeping tradition. For example, Cinciano developed the Preziano Toscana Bianco, a white wine made from red grapes through soft pressing and must fermentation at a controlled temperature. Andrea and his team enhanced the Sangiovese grape variety, the iconic grape of the Chianti Classico region while respecting the terroir.
Even though we didn’t stay overnight at the winery, if you wish to wake up to the sound of cicadas with a beautiful view of the Tuscany countryside and experience an authentic place that represents the spirits of Tuscany locals, it’s possible to do it at Cinciano! Several rooms are open from the end of March to the end of October and during the Christmas holidays.
At the end of the visit, we lunched at Osteria 1126, the on-site restaurant, where we enjoyed a delicious homemade pasta. We savoured the Cinciano olive oil with freshly baked bread, and oh, tastebuds were in heaven! Giovanna offered the Preziano Toscana wine for us to pair with our food, and for the white wine lover that
I am, it’s worth discovering! Guess what I’m ordering this Cellar?
When I open a bottle of Cinciano in the comfort of my home, I can answer with certainty that it doesn’t matter where you taste the wine, whether it’s at the winery or home. The wine tastes better because I know that behind the wine, there is a connection between the people, the wine and me. There is a sense of place, but mostly, each sip brings back a memory of that beautiful meeting with Giovanna and Andre