Tenuta Le Calcinaie - A Hidden Gem in Tuscany

Tenuta Le Calcinaie is a charming estate located a mere 3 km from the historic town of San Gimignano in the province of Siena. The estate derives its name from the unique soil composition of the area, featuring limestone layers that date back to the Pliocene era, found just half a meter below the surface.

The estate is owned by a dedicated wine technician who planted his first hectare of Vernaccia vines in 1986, establishing the vineyard known as “Vigna ai Sassi.” By 1989, he expanded his passion by planting 7,000 square meters of red grape varieties. The first wine produced was the 1993 vintage of Teodoro, a 100% Sangiovese, followed by the 1995 vintage of Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Today, the estate spans 12 hectares, yielding an average of 70,000 bottles per year. Since 1995, the vineyard has adhered to organic farming practices, earning certification under EU and NOP regulations.

In 2006, a new underground cellar was completed, designed to maintain a consistent temperature for optimal wine maturation, allowing for natural aging away from temperature fluctuations.

The estate's soil composition—limestone layers topped with clay, sand, and fossils—contributes to the production of mineral-rich, flavorful white wines. The delicate skin of the Vernaccia grape benefits from the north-eastern exposure of the vineyards, providing protection from the sun.

Red grapes thrive in the higher elevations of the estate, where the skeletal soils of brown and red clay enhance the wines' power and color. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 200 to 250 meters above sea level, creating an ideal environment for grape cultivation.