Tenuta di Capezzana

Tenuta di Capezzana, run by the Contini Bonacossi family in the Carmignano zone west of Florence, traces its winemaking history back to 804 AD—the oldest documented vineyard in the region. What sets them apart is their combination of centuries-old winemaking tradition with modern organic farming: all 80 hectares have been certified organic since 2015. Their reds are known for supple, silky tannins paired with luminous fruit, a balance achieved under consultant winemaker Franco Bernabei's guidance. If you're looking for serious Tuscan reds with real historical backbone and certified sustainable farming, this is a producer that delivers on both fronts.

About Tenuta di Capezzana

The estate has been in continuous operation longer than almost any other in Italy. Documents preserved in Florence's archives from 804 AD prove the property's antiquity—including signed agreements granting rights to cultivate both vineyard parcels and olive groves across the Capezzana lands. Today, the fourth generation of the Contini Bonacossi family manages the property: Beatrice handles marketing and communication, while her sister Benedetta oversees winemaking. Franco Bernabei, their consultant winemaker, has sharpened the focus and personality of their wines.

The property spreads across 80 hectares of vineyards alongside 30,000 olive trees, each section maintained under organic protocols. This commitment to sustainable viticulture is certified and has been in place since the 2015 vintage. The gravelly soils near the Furba stream, where the Ghiaie della Furba vineyard sits, contribute mineral precision to their Bordeaux blends. Their flagship Carmignano wines marry Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon—a blend the family pioneered here in 1979. The 'Villa di Capezzana' Carmignano uses 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged around 12 months in French oak to produce wines that are beautifully intense and elegant. The 'Ugo Contini Bonacossi', named after the family's late patriarch and advocate for Carmignano, is 100% Sangiovese sourced from the Viticciana vineyard that Ugo himself selected. The 'Barco Reale' offers rounded, ripe character with excellent balance between fruit and structure—an entry point into their portfolio without compromising quality.

Tenuta di Capezzana Wines in Our Collection

The 2023 Barco Reale di Carmignano (91 pts) is your accessible route into the estate: a Sangiovese-Cabernet blend that's ripe and balanced, ideal for everyday drinking or introducing others to Carmignano. The 2021 Villa di Capezzana Carmignano (91 pts) represents their core offering—the 80/20 blend aged in French oak with more structure and complexity. For those after a richer expression, the 2021 Ghiaie della Furba (91 pts) is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot from gravelly soils; critics scored it as high as 94 points. The older 2015 Villa di Capezzana 10 Years (92 pts) demonstrates how these wines age gracefully.

Food Pairing

Barco Reale pairs naturally with Tuscan roasted meats, grilled lamb, and aged cheeses. Villa di Capezzana Carmignano works with richer dishes: wild boar, braised beef, pappardelle with ragù, or mature Pecorino. The Ghiaie della Furba's Bordeaux blend suits hearty autumn fare—roasted game birds, mushroom risotto, or beef with truffle. Trebbiano complements lighter Tuscan fare: fresh pasta, white beans, grilled fish, or antipasti with fennel and herbs.

How long has Capezzana been making wine?

The estate's documented history stretches back to 804 AD, with contracts for renting vines and olive groves preserved in Florence's archives. The Contini Bonacossi family has owned and operated it through four generations.

Are Capezzana wines organically farmed?

Yes. All 80 hectares of vineyard and 30,000 olive trees are farmed organically and certified since the 2015 vintage. The estate manages its vineyards without synthetic chemicals.

What grapes define Capezzana's style?

Sangiovese is their foundation, often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon in Carmignano wines. They also make Bordeaux blends (Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot) on gravelly soils. The result is supple, silky tannins with luminous fruit.

Who makes Tenuta di Capezzana wines?

The Contini Bonacossi family runs Tenuta di Capezzana in the Carmignano zone west of Florence. The fourth generation—sisters Beatrice and Benedetta—manage the estate today, with consultant winemaker Franco Bernabei guiding their wines.

What style of wine does Tenuta di Capezzana make?

They specialise in bold, structured reds: their flagship Carmignano blends Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon, while Bordeaux blends feature Cabernet, Syrah and Merlot. They also produce a white Trebbiano. The 2023 Barco Reale scored 91 points.

How much does Tenuta di Capezzana wine cost?

Prices range from £18.70 to £181.30. Entry-level reds start at £18.70, core offerings sit around £31–£56, and premium aged reserves reach £181.30.