Some stories in the world of wine begin with passion, others with serendipity. The story of Castello di Monsanto begins with both.
It was the early 1960s when Aldo Bianchi, a native of San Gimignano, returned to his Tuscan roots after years away, a visit sparked not by vineyards or business, but a family wedding. Yet, from the terrace of Castello di Monsanto, he was captivated by the rolling Chianti hills, drenched in golden light and framed by cypress trees. That view, that moment, changed everything.
By 1962, just two years after his return, Aldo turned inspiration into action. He produced his first Chianti Classico Riserva, a wine that would become iconic: Il Poggio. A masterful blend led by Sangiovese, with a touch of Canaiolo and Colorino, it marked the beginning of a new era for the region and for the estate.
Il Poggio Riserva was no ordinary wine. It was one of the first single-vineyard Chianti Classicos ever bottled a bold move at a time when blending across vineyards was the norm. Aldo’s vision helped redefine the identity of Chianti Classico, and his commitment to showcasing Sangiovese’s purity and power inspired a movement that continues to shape Tuscan winemaking today.
A Family Tradition Carried Forward
Today, the story of Castello di Monsanto continues in the capable hands of Aldo’s son, Fabrizio Bianchi, and granddaughter, Laura Bianchi. Together, they are not only guardians of the estate’s rich history, but the driving force behind its future.
With over 60 vintages behind them, the Bianchis remain dedicated to precision, sustainability, and the art of crafting wines that reflect the soul of Tuscany.
As they walk the same vineyards Aldo once stood in awe of, their wines continue to echo his original vision: bold, expressive, and unmistakably Castello di Monsanto.
In Every Bottle: A View, A Vision, A Legacy
From that fateful glance across the Tuscan hills to a globally respected name in Chianti Classico, Castello di Monsanto is more than a winery it’s a testament to how one moment of inspiration can evolve into generations of excellence.
So the next time you open a bottle of Il Poggio, raise your glass to Aldo, Fabrizio, and Laura, and the enduring beauty of Tuscany captured in every sip.
https://www.castellodimonsanto.it/en
''At the end of the day, you really can’t make a wrong choice.
As long as you pay attention to what it is that you don’t like about a wine
each bottle will get you closer to what you do like.
Take it one glass at a time!''