Whether Pisa is your base or a pivotal point for exploring the nearby borghi’s, there is one winery that must be included on every visit to Italy: Le Palaie. This unique winery (part of the local agri-tourism sector) is within easy driving distance from Florence, Volterra, San Gimignano, Siena, Peccioli, Lajatico, Lari and Buti.
Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves the Tuscan way of life can easily become a valid alternative to city living. Owned by CEO Angelo Nino Caponi, this Montecchio estate is located in the municipality of Peccioli, Val d’Era, considered an emerging wine region in the Tuscan province of Pisa.
Caponi has created a two-story space that is the cutting edge between a winery/business enterprise and a museum. The winery includes a production center and art gallery as well as a meeting and tasting room and integrates architecture, interior design and technology not usually found in wineries.
The structural designers, Studio Casati di Peccioli used the hill overlooking the Montecchio vineyard as the focal point for the basement level cellar (partially below grade) and is used as the barrel room and vinification process. In this space, artfully designed niches and lighting turns a potentially ordinary space into a museum for African works of art. The second level, reached by ascending a stunning spiral glass staircase, features the tasting room and meeting center.
Drink the Wine. Stay Awhile
Le Palaie produces award winning wines and offers guests family – sized apartments for a country-side holiday. Renovated from a 17th century farmhouse and other nearby homes, the accommodations include full kitchens, baths, television as well as outdoor space for dining, swimming and entertaining.
Le Palaie Wines
Andrea Secco. Oenologist
Rosato. From Merlot and Sangiovese grapes grown on hills in loose to medium terroir that leads to sandy soil. A hint of copper to the eye, fruity florals to the nose plus high acidity leads to intense flavors. Pair with beef, deer, venison, veal, and pork; mature/hard cheese.
Bulizio. From Cabernet Sauvignon – 40 percent, Merlot – 40 percent and Petit Verdot – 20 percent grown on low hills in sandy soil. Deep ruby to the eye, highlighted with light garnet; the nose detects ripe fruit that leads to spicy notes; robust tannins
Viognier. Originally from the Rhone Valley, France the Le Palaie winery produces a very rare wine characterized by floral notes to the nose (think honeysuckle and lavender) along with peaches and suggestion s of smoke. Detect hints of white peaches, citrus and dried apricots with a finish of butterscotch and oak.
For additional information on the Borgi, click here.
This copyright article may not be reproduced without written permission from the author.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- Originally from the Rhone Valley, France the Le Palaie winery produces a very rare wine characterized by floral notes to the nose (think honeysuckle and lavender) along with peaches and suggestion s of smoke.
- The winery includes a production center and art gallery as well as a meeting and tasting room and integrates architecture, interior design and technology not usually found in wineries.
- The structural designers, Studio Casati di Peccioli used the hill overlooking the Montecchio vineyard as the focal point for the basement level cellar (partially below grade) and is used as the barrel room and vinification process.