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Castello di Querceto, in the province of Florence, in Greve (Chianti), has been owned by the French François family since 1897, who moved to Tuscany during the XVIII century following the Habsburg-Lorraine entourage when they were entrusted with the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

The property is in the north-eastern part of the Chianti Classico area, in a small and green valley. In addition to several sites of historical and artistic value, that area features a pristine beauty and gentle, green hills covered not only by vineyards, olive groves and thick woods but also by rustic farmhouses and similar ancient structures.

The business area extends for about 470 hectares, 148 of which are used for vines while the rest feature oaks (Quercus spp.), chestnut trees (Castanea sativa Mill.), and host olive groves with typical varieties of the area such as “Frantoio”, “Moraiolo”, ”Leccino”, “Pendolino”, and “Maurino”.

The company’s vineyards and olive groves thrive on the slopes of the valley at altitudes between 1.312 and 1.738 ft above sea level, thus classified as “high hill” vineyards and olive groves.

The cultivated lands are developed almost entirely around the business centre which includes the Castle and the entire production structure, where recent and modern facilities have been added respecting the local tradition and, imitating the original style and colours, fit in perfect harmony with their surroundings.

The company is focused on the enhancement of several selections of grapes that come from an in-depth study of the very features of the vineyards; this is done in an attempt to maximize the potential of the different vines grown in different environmental conditions.

Most of the vineyards were planted between 1975 and 1985, with some exceptions dating back to 35 years ago, while in more recent times, 65 new hectares have been added in the estate; the planting density varies from 3.300 plants per hectare (old plants) to 7.575 (new plants).

The training systems used are the traditional ones of the Chianti Classico area, like the horizontal spurred cordon laid at 23.6 inches cm from the ground, and the guyot.

Cultivation is 100% in compliance with the ecological compatibility of the production, without sacrificing high-quality productions; for this reason, the vineyards have been divided into 22 different lots cultivated on the most suitable soil and with the best microclimatic characteristics.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)