Podere Il Balzo Winery

Podere IL Balzo Farm

Paolo Ponticelli's passion for nature began in childhood, where he found joy in the outdoors. In the late 1960s, his grandfather, Ugo Ponticelli, purchased a home with land in the Poggiolo estate, nestled in the heart of the Chianti Rufina production area along the Sieve Valley. This marked the beginning of the Ponticelli family's winemaking journey, with the first vineyard planted on this land. In 2006, Podere IL Balzo produced its first wine, followed by the debut of its 100% Sangiovese reserve in 2011. Committed to sustainability, the winery officially transitioned to organic farming in 2016, fostering a deeper connection with nature. Today, the estate spans 30 hectares, featuring 5 hectares of vineyards, 3 hectares of olive groves, and the remainder dedicated to pasture, arable land, and forest.

Awards and Recognition

Podere IL Balzo has received accolades for its commitment to quality. The winery made its debut in the Slow Wine guide in 2010 with the 2007 vintage, earning the “Best Daily Wine” award. This recognition continued with several Chianti Rufina vintages. In 2015, the winery was featured in the Gambero Rosso guide with the 2011 vintage and its reserve, both receiving excellent reviews. The 2015 Chianti Rufina Riserva reached the finals in the 2020 guide, earning the prestigious ‘tre bicchieri rossi’ and was included with ‘Two Glasses’ recognition.