Situated in the northern area of Maremma, in the province of Pisa, Castello del Terriccio possesses an extensive history dating back to the Middle Ages, when its coastal positioning rendered it a propitious vantage point in the Pisans’ efforts to ward off invasion. It went on to become the residence of the Counts Gaetani, who played a critical role in the development of the papacy. During their tenure—which spanned five centuries—agricultural operations flourished, becoming the defining vocation of the estate.

While wine production commenced only in the late 1980s, initial efforts were based on a comprehensive study of the terroir, dedicated to fully eliciting its potential. To this end, plantings were not limited exclusively to the area’s traditional vines, Sangiovese and a few whites. Rather, international grapes were introduced in steady succession, beginning with Chardonnay (1988) and Sauvignon Blanc (1989). The Bordeaux varietals followed close behind, making an appearance that was attended by a great deal of foresight. Grafted from the vines of premier Bordeaux estates, the “foreigners” ensured quality expression from their initial period of production; indeed, all took to their new terrain successfully, with Merlot realizing enhanced structural properties. The native Sangiovese was not taken for granted, either, as plantings were actually sourced from Sangiovese Grosso vines in Montalcino (unusual for the Maremma, where the predominant clone is Morellino). Terriccio did not stop there, however, as it formally instituted a plan in 1999 to further uncover the latent potential of the area by experimenting with varieties that possessed a likely affinity with the terroir or might successfully be adapted. Syrah was the first candidate in this initiative, and it is presently the primary constituent in Terriccio’s newest bottling, the eponymous Castello del Terriccio. The estate exercises particular vigilance with respect to maintaining low yields for all varieties planted.

As you might expect, vinification also reflects the estate’s progressive mentality. In fact, the estate views Slavonian oak botti and traditional presses (both of which used to occupy the cellar) as mediums that belong to the past—the instruments of a style of wine that is, in effect, no longer relevant. The modern regimen now employed largely represents the preferences and recommendations of famed wine consultant Carlo Ferrini (particularly the use of French barriques from Allier), who began his service with the estate in 1993, providing guidance exclusively for the processes of red wine vinification.

The current profile comprises six wines, three blends and three monovarietal bottlings. Both of the whites— Con Vento (Sauvignon Blanc) and Rondinaia (Chardonnay)—receive a brief period of aging on the lees, endowing them with a particularly unique character. Tassinaia, a Super-Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, is another distinctive offering, demonstratively working against the charge that the Super-Tuscan category is beleaguered by homogeneity.

Toscana (IGT)