Villa Cerna
Primocolle Chianti Classico
Visitors traveling from Siena into Chianti Classico are greeted by the historic site of Villa Cerna as they cross the first hill into the famed sub-region. The villa itself is an old monastery, dating back to the 11th century CE. The monks that lived on the land tended to the surrounding vineyards and agriculture, including 1001 olive trees planted in the year 1001 to celebrate the new millennium. In fact, some of these trees still produce fruit that go into Villa Cerna’s aptly-named olive oil, “Milleuno.” Undoubtedly though, the most important production of the estate is their two classic expressions of Sangiovese: “Primocolle” (meaning “first hill”) Chianti Classico and their eponymous Chianti Classico Riserva.
The Cecchi family places a special focus on hospitality at Villa Cerna, using it to showcase the values shared by each of their properties. Its strategic location at the “gates” of Chianti Classico make it well-suited to welcome visitors to the famed appellation, offering beautiful dining experiences at their restaurant, Foresteria, and greeting travelers with stunning architecture, sweeping vineyard views, and--of course--their signature wines.
Tasting Notes
The rock star of the Villa Cerna lineup... this is an every day wine for people that have been or want to go to Italy. Take 2 bottles... You'll open it as you prepare dinner and need a second bottle by the time you're seated.
Cultivation
The soil is stoney with an alkaline presence, 280m above sea level, yield of 7 tonnes per hectare and a density of 5000 vines per hectare, spurred cordon pruning.
Vinification
Vinification is traditional with skin contact in a temperature controlled environment. Fermentation and maceration lasts for 15 days, fermentation occurs in a small stainless steel tank at a temperature of 26°C.
Aging
9 months in barrique and a minimum of 3 months in bottle.
Press
2020:
92 points - James Suckling
2019:
91 points - James Suckling
90 points - Wine Enthusiast
2017:
93 points - James Suckling
91 points - Decanter
2016:
92 points - James Suckling
90 points - Wine Enthusiast
2015:
92 points - James Suckling
91 points - Wine Spectator
2014:
95 points Decanter
91 points - James Suckling
APPELLATION
DOCG Chianti Classico
VARIETAL
95% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino
ABV
14.5%
ALTITUDE
280 meters
SOIL
Stony with an alkaline presence
ANNUAL PRODUCTION
60,000 btls