Ghiaie Della Furba Tasting
The Contini Boncossi family behind the historic Tenuta di Capezzana demonstrate their regal origins by the elegance of their wines. Recently the family hosted a very high-level tasting of several historic vintages of their Super Tuscan Ghiaie Della Furba for international journalists attending the 2023 Anteprime di Toscana.
Tenuta di Capezzana History
The earliest reference to Capezzana dates back to 804 A.D., as documented in an ancient parchment stored at the Florentine state archives. The estate is situated in the Carmignano sub-zone, which is one of the oldest and most renowned wine producing regions in Tuscany.
Historical evidence indicates that grapevines have been grown in the area for over 3,000 years. Many Etruscan artifacts, along with ancient winemaking instruments, have been located on the Tenuta de Capezzana estate.
The estate has changed hands several times in the course of its centuries-old history. Yet its current story began in 1920 when Count Alessandro Contini Bonacossi and his family returned to Italy from Spain. They acquired this property in Carmignano and two other neighboring farms. In 1925, the winery produced its first vintage of Villa di Capezzana wine and olive oil.
In time, the Count’s son Augusto took over the management of thenestate, with his son, Ugo, joining him in 1945. It was Ugo’s vision that gradually transformed the estate from a sharecropping system to a modern-daywinery. Ugo was instrumental in gaining DOC status for this red wine viticultural zone, recognized for its quality by Grand Duke Cosimo III de Medici in 1716.
Ghiaie Della Furba takes its name from the Furba stream and the gravelly soil on which the vineyards are located. Count Ugo Bonacossi had the idea to produce a Bordeaux-style wine in Carmignano in 1979 – with that idea eventually leading to the Carmignano region achieving DOCG status.
The Vintage Tasting
Four vintages tasted
1981
(1/5 Cabernet Sauvignon, 1/3 Merlot, 1/3 Sauvignon Franc)
Intense Garnet color, very powerful and intense on the nose. Truffle, dark cherries, herbs, and sweet spice.
1999
(60% Cabernet Sauvignon; 30% Merlot; 10% Syrah)
Color is closer to ruby, with aromas of rich ripe cherry fruit, spice, and fresh ground pepper. Very lively on the palate.
2006
(60% Cabernet Sauvignon; 20% Merlot; 20% Syrah)
Garnet color, very intense and fresh on the nose with pointed, sharp, distinct flavors. Palate rich with dark cherry fruit and violet notes, alive with vibrant acidity.
2016
(40% Cabernet Sauvignon; 25% Merlot; 35% Syrah)
Brilliant ruby color with dark cherry fruit core and racy acidity, and dense, velvet tannins.
The Wine-Pairing Dinner at Cibrèo Caffè
This very elegant trattoria is located inside the gorgeous Helvetia & Bristol hotel.
The fresh, lively 2021 vintage of Capezzana Trebbiano Toscana IGT was served with the appetizer courses, while the 2010 and 2015 vintages of Villa di Capezzana “Dieci Anni” Carmignano DOCG were served with the mushroom risotto dish.
The main course of Fassona Filet (a breed of cow native to the Piemonte region of Northern Italy) was paired with Trefiano Carmignano Riserva DOCG 2018 and Ugo Contini Bonacossi IGT Toscana 2018.
A beautifully orchestrated tasting and wine-pairing dinner showcasing the fine wines of this elegant estate.
