The wine industry is undoubtedly one of the most evocative in terms of imagery, capable of stirring something deep within individuals to the extent that successful entrepreneurs from other industries feel a calling, often leaving their previous ventures to immerse themselves solely in the world of Bacchus and all that surrounds it. This was the case for Marco Bacci, who abandoned the textile sector to dedicate himself entirely to wine in 1996.
Marco Bacci’s first major acquisition was in 1983 in Chianti Classico, at the Castello di Bossi estate in Castelnuovo della Berardenga. Initially conceived as a real estate investment, his passion for wine became overwhelming, pushing economic calculations into the background. Subsequently, in 1998, he acquired the Renieri company in Montalcino, followed by Terre di Talamo in the Tuscan Maremma. Bacci Wines’ most recent significant investment is the Terre Darrigo estate in Linguaglossa, at the foot of Mount Etna.
It often happens to those entering the wine industry from other sectors to fall into the automatic assumption, which has proven to be somewhat of a curse, that engaging a renowned oenologist is almost a mandatory choice.
Stefano Bacci
Bacci Wines, with foresight and intelligence, entrusted their endeavors to the great talent of Stefano Marinari. Born in Florence, in Bagno a Ripoli, Marinari studied oenology at the University of Florence. Then he completed his master’s degree at the University of Turin under Professor Vincenzo Gerbi. He boasts extensive experience in Italy, New Zealand, Napa Valley, and Chile.
Tasting with Stefano Marinari is a truly enriching experience. Humble yet confident in his expertise, he has managed to capture the unique characteristics and nuances of every terroir where Bacci Wines’ vineyards are located, whether it be Chianti Classico or Etna. After sampling a broad selection of Bacci Wines’ labels, the conclusion is clear: we are facing wines of excellent quality, with some reaching absolute peaks of excellence. The journey begins with a pas dosé Classic Method sparkling wine made from pure Sangiovese grapes, the Barbaione AD 1111, aged for 48 months on the lees, which impresses with its finesse and fragrance.
Let’s fly to Mount Etna with the Terre Darrigo Etna Bianco 2022 and the Terre Darrigo Etna Rosato, also from the 2022 vintage. This is essentially Bacci Wines’ first harvest on “a Muntagna,” and judging by the pleasure and elegance that the wine delivers, we can expect great things ahead.
Bucci’s wines
Among the whites from the Maremma coast, I was pleasantly surprised by two wines from Tenuta Terre di Talamone:
- the Viognier Vento Teso 2022, which ages in stainless steel and captivates the palate with its clarity of fruit, freshness, and minerality
- the Vermentino Vento Forte 2021 which matures for 12 months in barrels, predominantly of second and third use.
The bouquet is floral, with delicate citrus notes and a distinctive iodine hint that reminds us of its maritime origins. It is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing whites we’ve tasted recently.
As for the reds, Pinot Noir is astonishing for its elegance and expressiveness. It confirms that this grape variety, when cultivated and vinified in certain areas of Tuscany, continues to impress. For Bacci Wines, the 2022 vintage marks the third production, with approximately 3,000 bottles produced. Additionally, I would like to highlight the Riserva Berardo 2019, a great Chianti Classico steeped in tradition, complex and profound.
The 2019 Corbaia, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, is an outstanding Supertuscan—austere and substantial. Those who appreciate top-tier Supertuscans will find in Corbaia a worthy counterpart to all the other prestigious wines that end in “-aia.” Stefano Marinari then pours me a preview taste of the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Ranieri. My goodness, what a wine! The aromatic profile is delicate yet intense, with a velvety mouthfeel. On the palate, it is expressive and deep, and I would be surprised if it doesn’t end up among the most awarded Brunelli when it is released.
Talamo a Mare 2018
Talamo a Mare 2018 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. What makes this wine unique is its aging process, which occurs at a constant temperature of 16°C in an underwater cellar, located 35 meters deep in the sea off Talamone. The nose is captivating, featuring aromas of red fruit and forest undergrowth, complemented by a pleasant spiciness.
On the palate, it is full, rounded, with smooth tannins and a delicate savoriness, finishing with a lifted and seductive touch. It’s a pity I wasn’t able to compare it with the same wine aged in the cellar, especially because, as I’ve experienced with other so-called underwater wines, the nuances are remarkable. Where there has been underwater aging, the wine always turns out to be more intriguing in terms of quality and complexity. I’ll make it a point to do so next time, and I’ll commit to this with my mentor in Tuscany, Thomas Taddeo.
Bacci Wines Estate
Bacci Wines produces approximately 1.5 million bottles and generates revenue of over 10.6 million euros, with a profit nearing 3 million euros. Interestingly, 95% of its turnover comes from abroad, primarily from the United States and Asia. The Bacci Wines Group is certified organic. Alongside Marco Bacci in leading the Bacci Wines Group are his children, particularly Jacopo Bacci, and international entrepreneur Serg Bell.
Castello di Bossi
Castello di Bossi is situated at the heart of the estate, located in the southern part of Chianti Classico, within the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Spanning 500 hectares, the estate includes 120 hectares dedicated to vineyards. Situated at an average altitude of around 350 meters above sea level, these vineyards benefit from exposures ranging from southeast to west. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are the primary grape varieties cultivated here. The predominant soil types are tuff, yellow clays, silty sands, and broken stone.
Barbaione
The Barbaione estate spans a total of 110 hectares, with 17 hectares dedicated to Chianti Classico vineyards. It is situated in land adjacent to Castello di Bossi and Tenuta di Renieri, with exposures ranging from southeast to southwest. The estate’s buildings are steeped in history, with the main Villa dating back to the 1200s. Today, the three neighboring estates—Castello di Bossi, Tenuta di Renieri, and Barbaione—form one of the most significant combined estates in Tuscany. At Barbaione, classic method sparkling wine is produced and aged from Sangiovese grapes.
Tenuta di Renieri
Located in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, the Tenuta di Renieri shares its borders with the lands of Castello di Bossi. Spanning approximately 60 hectares, with 22 hectares dedicated to vineyards, this estate is renowned for its Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva. The south-facing vineyards benefit from a diverse soil composition, including yellow clays and tuff. Additionally, a layer of rounded stones beneath the terrain ensures excellent natural drainage.
Renieri
The Renieri estate covers approximately 120 hectares, with 30 of those dedicated to vineyards. It is located in the southern part of the Montalcino region, in lands that face the Monte Amiata.
Situated at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level, the vineyards benefit from nearly 360 degrees of exposure, extending from east to northwest. Dominated by volcanic soils, the land features a blend of limestone, rock, red clay, and tuff.
Sangiovese is the primary grape variety, utilized for producing both Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino.
Spanning over 1000 square meters, the winery is designed with a partially underground structure to facilitate gravity-fed grape movement and maintain the ideal temperature for aging the wine.
Terre di Talamo
Terre di Talamo is located south of Grosseto in the Maremma region of Tuscany. The DOCG designation is Morellino di Scansano. Its vineyard covers approximately 35 hectares, with grape varieties including Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Alicante, Petit Verdot, Vermentino, and Viognier. The soils are composed of brown clay.
Talamo a Mare
The underwater cellar is a unique experiment: 9,000 bottles of Talamo IGT have been submerged at a depth of 35 meters in the sea of Talamone to complete their aging process at a constant temperature of 16 degrees Celsius. This task was accomplished with the assistance of diving and underwater sports experts. The bottles were positioned with the help of a 40-meter-long pier and in collaboration with Cressi Sub.
Terre Darrigo
Tenuta Terre Darrigo is the latest acquisition by Bacci Wines. Located in the municipality of Linguaglossa at an elevation of 650 to 700 meters above sea level, in the historic D’Arrigo district, the Etna DOC vineyards look towards the sea of Taormina on one side and the summit of Mount Etna on the other. The soils, typical of the region, are formed from ancient lava flows that have created a unique and irreplaceable geological structure. A distinctive feature of the estate is the stone terraces, manually constructed throughout history. The red grape vineyards are almost exclusively Nerello Mascalese, with a small percentage of Nerello Cappuccio, while the white grape vineyard is planted with Carricante.
Stefano Marinari, the winemaker for Bacci Wines, discusses the Tenuta di Castello di Bossi in Castelnuovo della Berardenga.