Around 3.30 we headed off from the Stazione Leopolda and off to Greve in Chianti to visit John Matta’s Castello Vicchiomaggio, which the Matta family bought in 1964. I first met John some 20 years ago, so it was good to see him again and taste the range of wines.
I enjoyed his range of well-made wines with the 2007 Riserva Vigna La Prima Chianti Classico (35-40€ retail in Italy) being my favourite, although it really needs more time in bottle.
John Matta in his vineyards
`Zuzana Foffova (noting)/ Bohumil Vurm (listening)
Then it was onto Castellina in Chianti and the Hotel Colle Etrusco Salivolpi, where once again I had difficulties connecting to the net.
Dinner was at Rocca delle Macie with the Zinarelli family – Sergio, the CEO, and his daughter Julia, who is now working for the company. Founded by the film maker Italo Zingarelli, Rocca della Macie is now a big concern with six estates, three wineries, 140 employees, 600 hectares of vines and an annual production of around 4.5 million bottles.
Over dinner we tasted around 10 wines (I need to count them up) – some DOC/DOCG wines and some super Tuscans. All were well made, although none shouted out ‘you must buy me’ but if you had a bottle you wouldn’t be disappointed – no small achievement given the size of the company.
Julia Zingarelli
Sergio (md of Rocca delle Macia) and his daughter, Julia
