Vallepicciola Showcases Three Gold-Awarded Sangiovese Wines at Merano Festival Among 300 Top Italian Wineries

Vallepicciola, a winery based in Castelnuovo Berardenga in the Chianti Classico region of Italy, will present four of its Sangiovese wines at the 34th Merano WineFestival from November 8 to 10. The event takes place at the Kurhaus in Merano, South Tyrol, and is recognized as one of Italy’s leading wine festivals. Vallepicciola’s participation follows its recent recognition as “Best Winery 2026” by Le Guide de L’Espresso, an Italian wine and food guide.

The winery will be located in Gallery B at Desk 128 within the Wine Italia section, which features 300 wineries selected by The WineHunter Award committee. Vallepicciola will offer tastings of four wines made entirely from Sangiovese grapes: Chianti Classico 2023, Chianti Classico Riserva 2021, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Lapina 2021, and Vallepicciola Rosso Toscana IGT 2022. Each of these wines has received a WineHunter Award, with three earning the Gold distinction.

The vineyards that produce these wines are situated between 380 and 450 meters above sea level on the western slopes of Castelnuovo Berardenga, within the Vagliagli Additional Geographic Unit. This area is known for its complex soils composed of limestone, galestro, clay, and alberese. These conditions are considered ideal for Sangiovese grapes, allowing them to develop freshness and aromatic depth.

Alessandro Cellai, General Manager and Winemaker at Vallepicciola, has focused on showcasing the potential of Sangiovese in this region. The winery uses different vinification methods and aging processes tailored to each vineyard plot to highlight the unique characteristics of each wine.

The Chianti Classico 2023 is described as fresh and fragrant with aromas of redcurrant, plum, violet, and a hint of black pepper. The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Lapina 2021 comes from a single high-altitude vineyard and features notes of jammy red and black fruits, dried flowers, balsamic elements, and spices. The Vallepicciola Rosso Toscana IGT 2022 is produced from the Fontanelle vineyard at 450 meters above sea level and represents a modern approach to Sangiovese winemaking. The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 combines freshness with structure and offers flavors of flowers, ripe fruits, black pepper, and cherry jam.

Vallepicciola’s CEO Alberto Colombo said that participating in the Merano WineFestival is an opportunity to showcase the full range of their Chianti Classico wines as well as their IGT Vallepicciola Rosso. He highlighted that these wines are “a true expression” of their territory. Colombo also noted that Vallepicciola Rosso combines traditional techniques such as concrete fermentation with modern production methods.

The winery is part of the Fontanelle Estate project led by the Bolfo family. In addition to wine production, the estate includes two five-star hotels—Hotel Le Fontanelle and The Club House—and several restaurants: La Colonna, Il Tuscanico, and Il Visibilio, which holds one Michelin star.

Vallepicciola’s presence at the Merano WineFestival underscores its commitment to both tradition and innovation in winemaking. The event provides a platform for visitors to experience different expressions of Sangiovese from one of Tuscany’s most recognized producers.