The name Pâcina is derived from the Etruscan name for Bacchus, and an acknowledgement of the Tuscan roots of the Tiezzi family. Giovanna Tiezzi and Stefano Borsa create truly distinctive wines from 10 hectares of vineyard in the commune of Castenuovo Berardenga — one of the districts that fall both within and outside the Chianti Classico region. Poised on the last hills of the Classico district above the plain leading to Siena, the view is spectacular. With the 2009 vintage, Pâcina withdrew from the Chianti Colli Senesi DOC, finding commercial decisions of the Consorzio to be contrary to producing distinctive, high-quality, age-worthy wine.

The villa and winery, actually a 12th century convent, has been in Giovanna's family for six generations, and is home to her extended family. The enclave was the site of a convent from about 900 AD. This sense of family and history have lead Giovanna & Stefano to a natural approach to farming, intended to preserve their heritage for future generations. In the vineyard, this means not only chemical-free methods, but also allowing the vines to find their own balance of healthy production. This non-interventionist methodology continues in the cellar, where you will find an absence of stainless steel, and no modern technology. Rather, glazed concrete fermentation tanks, indigenous yeast and bacteria, and no temperature control.

Stefano and Giovanna have learned that a healthy, natural environment provides fruit of exceptional character, and a heartiness that permits simplicity in the entire process. Their daughter Maria, who was raised on the property, is now working with her parents after studying internationally. The estate totals 60 hectares including grains, beans, olive grove and pasture which isolate the vines from outside contamination.

One of Italy’s most prestigious and prominent producers of Natural Wines, Giovanna was prominently featured in Jonathan Nossiter’s (Mondovino) 2014 film ‘Natural Resistance’. The range of wines, from a Trebbiano/Malvasia white called La Cerretina; to il Secondo, a Sangiovese from younger vines; La Malena Ciliegiolo/Syrah; and the remarkable flagship Pâcina Sangiovese/Canaiolo/Ciliegiolo; are defiantly characterful expressions of this special place. Pacina’s wines are certified organic, as are all the products of the farm.

Pâcina’s charming and historic ‘agriturismo’ allows visitors to explore the farm while staying in former share-cropper’s apartments. Details are on their website.

pacina.it