Carpineta Fontalpino

Established in 1967 by Italo Cresti, Carpineta Fontalpino is currently owned by his children, the dynamic brother-and-sister team of Gioia and Filippo Cresti. Gioia, an enologist and agronomist, is in charge of growing the grapes and making wine, while Filippo runs the business and marketing side of things. Filippo’s daughter Sara has continued the tradition, having followed in her aunt’s footsteps with a degree in enology. She helps by welcoming guests, managing wine tastings, and serving as a brand ambassador.

THE HISTORY

Carpineta Fontalpino (with these two words referring to a local tree and water source) is located in Montaperti, Castelnuovo Berardenga just five kilometers outside of Siena in an area famous for the historical Battle of Montaperti fought between Florence and Siena 800 years ago and was mentioned by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy. As the only battle Siena ever won against Florence, it is a great source of pride for the Sienese as well as the winery, which is located just below the infamous hilltop (also depicted in their labels). This land is rich in history, myth, and love, leaving visitors with an appreciation for the beauty and sense of tradition that the owners work tirelessly to maintain.

The Cresti’s winemaking philosophy is based on the Latin phrase Do ut Des, which means I give so that I may receive. It is so important to them that they even gave their flagship wine this name, an exquisitely made Bordeaux blend. An expert in Sangiovese cultivation, Gioia also specializes in highly rated Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione, and Colli Senesi reds.

Carpineta Fontalpino currently has 90 hectares of land with 30 under vine. The winery produces 100,000 to 110,0000 bottles of wine a year along with olive oil, red wine vinegar and pasta made from heirloom grains grown on the property. The winery has been organic since 2008 and is also eco-sustainable.

THE TERROIR

The Carpineta Fontalpino property primarily grows Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes with a few additional varieties like Petit Verdot and Alicante.

All the grapes are grown organically on a mix of sand and clay and the pebbly texture of the soil helps to promote good drainage. The vines range from five years old to 40 years old with an average age of 18 years. The plants are Guyot and spurred-cordon trained and planted with a density of 1,050-2,700 vines per acre, which helps reduce yields. As the winery is located near the southern perimeter of the Chianti Classico area, it is able to produce wines that belong to different denominations: Chianti Classico DOCG, including Gran Selezione, Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG, and IGT Toscana.