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Castello del Terriccio is located 30 miles to the south of Pisa on the Tuscan coast, and just to the north of the famed Super Tuscan area of Bolgheri; it is intrinsically beautiful in every way. The estate is owned by the extraordinarily charming Gian Annibale Rossi di Medelana Serafini Ferri, known affectionately as ‘Pucci’, who was once a talented horseman and breeder. However fate dealt a cruel hand when a serious riding accident left him without use of his legs, confining him to a wheelchair. Unable to pursue his equine passion, Pucci turned his focus to the potential of planting vines.
The 60 hectares once devoted to horses were identified as having significant viticultural potential due to the wonderful exposure of the land to the Mediterranean breeze, and year round warmth. The vineyards are surrounded by ‘maquis’ and eucalyptus trees, which as well as protecting them, also contribute to the aromas and scents that so characterise the Terriccio wines. Planted predominately with Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah, the wines are made by consultant oenologist Carlo Ferrini, who to date has brought thirteen ‘Tre Bicchiere’ awards to the estate and countless other accolades from all of the major wine critics.
The cellars date from the nineteenth century and retain the original structure of full brick open vaulted ceilings. Efficiency and modern technology is used, where steel tanks, casks and Allier oak barriques have now replaced the original Slavonian oak casks. The varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), Merlot (10%) and Petit Verdot (5%) used for the top cuvée, Lupicaia, are aged on average for 20/22 months. The Cabernet (45%), Merlot (40%) and Sangiovese (15%) used for Tassinaia is aged for 14/16 months.
