The extensive Castello del Terriccio estate is situated along the Tuscan coast about 10 miles north of Bolgheri. The property enjoys not only an ideal maritime location and unique microclimate but also an incredibly rich history, including Etruscan miners, bishops, counts of Pisa, and a Polish prince. After the First World War, the estate was purchased by Count Serafini Ferri, who expanded Terriccio into a virtually self-sufficient property, planting grasses, cereals, olive groves and vineyards. For several decades the 1,700-hectare (4,200 acres) diverse polycultural estate was under the management of Dr. Gian Annibale Rossi di Medelana Serafini Ferri, who decided to shift the estate’s focus from the production of cereals to wine in the 1980s.
Dr. Rossi realized that a radical intervention and revolution in the vineyards must take place in order to produce great wines. He introduced new varieties, more appropriate to the particular soil type and climate, and vines were trained to modern systems. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines were brought in from France, directly from some of Bordeaux’s most historic estates, as well as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Sangiovese Grosso clones were brought from selected plantings in Montalcino and eventually Syrah, Petit Verdot and Viognier were planted as well. The particular soil types and location of each vineyard strictly dictated the choice in varieties.
The vinification techniques are very straightforward with the sole objective of exalting, at each stage of the winemaking process, the original character of the grapes and the unique nuance each wine receives from the soil. He maintained the vaulted, historic brick cellar (originally used for storing grain) while adding several technical upgrades to adapt the space and technology to today’s requirements. Under the holistic technical direction of celebrated oenologist Carlo Ferrini, Castello del Terriccio presents a small but prestigious portfolio of limited-production wines from the estate’s vines including four distinctive red wines (Lupicaia, Tassinaia, Castello del Terriccio, Cappanino), two whites (Rondinaia, Con Vento) and a rosè (Sassi Rosa).
With Dr. Rossi’s passing in 2020, the estate is now in the very capable hands of his nephew Vittorio Rossi, who intends to continue the tradition of producing delicious and distinctive wines from this exceptional property.