Castello D’Albola

A winery offering the exceptional beauty of Tuscan history, the highest quality of Zonin wineries, and the absolute best Chianti Classico.
The Castello d’Albola estate stands on top of the splendid Chianti hills in Radda, Tuscany, at the heart of the Chianti Classico DOCG appellation.

Grape cultivation in this area dates back to the time of the Etruscans. The Acciaiuoli family established the first vineyard in the Castello D’Albola area between the 13th and 14th centuries. As of 1979, the estate belongs to the Zonin family who has restored both the main villa and the hamlet. A new winery has also been built, in perfect harmony with the landscape. The private cellar of the Zonin family where wines from the previous millennium are preserved is also located here. The renovated outbuildings are now used as accommodation. They also enlarged both the vineyards and the estate, which today covers 900 hectares. Of these, 125 hectares are under vine and more than 4,000 olive trees grow on 12 hectares.

The soil of the Albola highlands consists of clay and fine-grained limestone. This combination ensures good drainage. The varietals are Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Canaiolo, Trebbiano Toscano, and Malvasia del Chianti.

The main and indigenous grape variety is Sangiovese, which is the ancient name for Sangiovese Grosso di Toscana, the flagship grape of Chianti Classico. This grape is the lifeblood of the region. Sangiovese vines cover around 90% of the estate’s area under vine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo are also grown in significant quantities to give the wines an additional touch of indigenous character. The wines have elegance, pronounced aromas, acidity, and structured tannins.

Chianti wines are aged in wine cellars which are more than 400 years old. The vaults of the underground cellars, the temperature, humidity, and the Slavonian oak barrels play an important role in the development of the elegant aroma of the Chianti wines.

The wines produced in Castello d’Albola have earned the iconic “Gallo Nero” (Black Rooster) symbol from the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium, which guarantees the highest standards in winemaking.

The best place for Chianti

The winery is especially proud of their Chianti Classico wines – the vineyards of the estate are at the highest elevations in the Chianti Classico DOCG region.

Etruscan legacy

The name ‘Chianti’ is most likely derived from the Etruscan family name Clantes, who introduced grape growing to the region in the 7th century.

A nod to history

Acciaiolo, the flagship wine of the Castello d’Albola winery, is dedicated to the Acciaiuoli family who built the castle and played an important role in the Italian history.