Established 15 years ago by Laura di Collobiano, the Tenuta di Valgiano estate is cultivated according to biodynamic principles. Ideally located close to the Mediterranean coast and at a slight altitude in the Apennines, this domaine produces intensely fruity fresh wines. Tenuta di Valgiano red is delicate and elegant and delivers dark berry notes with mentholated flavours to pleasing effect. It has a subtle, long finish. This wine also has good cellaring potential. Tenuta di Valgiano is located in the village of Capannori in a dazzling landscape in northern Tuscany. On this 60-ectare estate, Laura di Collobiano and Saverio Petrilli grow grapes and olive trees and raise pigs and chickens. Mixed cultivation and biodynamic methods are the bywords on this land where care is lavished on vineyards spanning less than 30 hectares. The domaine straddles a patchwork of soils which brings huge complexity to the wines. The soil is marl-limestone – marl-sandstone-silica at depth and sandy-clay on the surface. In the reign of Napoleon, French troops imported French grape varieties to the region including Merlot, Syrah, Chasselas, Roussanne, Sauvignon and Chardonnay. In the Lucca region, wines are produced under the DOC Colline Lucchesi appellation. This controlled designation permits the use of Sangiovese with indigenous varietals Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, and Colorino, as well as the French grape varieties Merlot and Syrah. Small amounts of Moscati and Aleatico can also be added. Since 1985, this controlled designation of origin (DOC) also allows the production of white wine from Vermentino, Greco, Grechetto, Malvoisie, Chardonnay and Sauvignon. Tenuta di Valgiano is probably the best way to discover this region. It sets the standard.

Mazzapink was born of a collaboration between Tenuta di Valgiano and the San Pietro estate, located in the neighbouring village of Marcigliano. The grapes, organically farmed by San Pietro, come from parcels situated at around 250 metres above sea level, just a few kilometres from the coast, where calcareous marl soils prevail. The grapes are harvested by hand, then destemmed and gently crushed. Fermentation takes place in small vats, followed by ageing partly in vats and partly in oak casks.
A blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, Mazzapink expresses the spirit of Tuscany through its intense fruit profile. The nose evokes strawberry and raspberry, layered with hints of olive, shrubland plants and a touch of pepper. The supple and juicy palate is framed by silky tannins. An unashamedly pleasurable wine with a colourful label, designed by artist Sara Di Giovanni, that pairs beautifully with a charcuterie board or hearty beef lasagne.