Villa di Capezzana

Villa di Capezzana celebrated its 100-year anniversary with a Historic Tasting in Honor of Anteprime Toscana 2025

As part of the prestigious 2025 Anteprime Toscana, I had the honor of attending an unforgettable formal dinner and wine tasting titled “A Hundred Years of Villa di Capezzana”. This extraordinary event, hosted by the esteemed Contini Bonacossi family, celebrated a century of Villa di Capezzana Carmignano DOCG, a wine that has defined Tuscan excellence through generations.

The evening took place at the distinguished Il Tornabuoni, a venue renowned for its superb cuisine and meticulous hospitality. With an illustrious guest list that included journalists from top global publications, Masters of Wine, and esteemed wine scholars, we gathered in eager anticipation to taste some of the rarest and most historic vintages of Villa di Capezzana.

A Century in a Glass: Tasting the Most Historic Vintages

The Bonacossi family selected six vintages spanning nearly 100 years, each offering a profound glimpse into the aging potential and evolution of Villa di Capezzana.

1925 Villa di Capezzana – A True Time Capsule

At 100 years old, this vintage was the evening’s most astonishing pour—a wine literally from another era. The color had shifted to a light tawny hue, yet the wine still shimmered with life, holding onto a surprising vibrant acidity. The nose was intensely expressive, offering aromas of dried red cherries, orange peel, and delicate floral undertones.

On the palate, the wine was ethereal, still carrying traces of fruit alongside spice, dried herbs, and a whisper of old wood. Tasting a century-old wine that remained alive and dynamic was an unforgettable moment—one that underscored the undeniable longevity and craftsmanship of Capezzana wines.

1975 Villa di Capezzana – Elegance and Subtlety

After tasting the 1925, I explored the 1975 vintage, now at its 50-year mark. The wine had a faded garnet color, showing maturity, while the nose revealed hints of sweet violets and delicate tea leaves.

On the palate, it was soft and refined, with a moderately long finish that lingered gracefully. The structure was still present but showed the patina of time, making this an exquisite example of how beautifully Capezzana wines evolve.

1985 Villa di Capezzana – Complex and Textured

The 1985 vintage was crafted from 75% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Canaiolo, embodying the classic Carmignano blend. With nearly 40 years of aging, the wine had turned near brown, displaying a complex bouquet of coffee, dried fruit, and a touch of earthiness.

Its grainy tannins hinted at its former power, while a slight perception of sweetness from the concentrated fruit gave it an appealing roundness. This wine spoke to the depth and age-worthiness of Carmignano’s great vintages.

1995 Villa di Capezzana – Vibrant at Thirty Years

Moving forward another decade, the 1995 vintage still exhibited a vibrant red color turning garnet, showcasing its ability to thrive even after 30 years.

The intense cherry aroma leaped from the glass, carrying hints of spice and dried flowers. On the palate, it was a perfect balance of vibrant acidity and velvety tannins, finishing with impressive length. It was a stunning reminder of how Capezzana wines harmonize power and finesse over time.

2005 Villa di Capezzana – Depth and Concentration

At nearly 20 years of age, the 2005 vintage was remarkably deep purple, demonstrating its youthful resilience. Aromas of violets, dark plum, and spice gave the wine an intoxicating aromatic profile.

On the palate, it was still bold and concentrated, exhibiting plush dark fruit, lively acidity, and perfectly integrated tannins. While it had begun its transformation into maturity, it was clear that this vintage had many years ahead of it.

2021 Villa di Capezzana – The Future in a Glass

The youngest wine of the tasting, the 2021 vintage, was a window into Capezzana’s continued tradition of excellence. With a gorgeous garnet color and mesmerizing violet aromas, it expressed vibrant fruit, lifted acidity, and an elegant structure.

Judging by the track record of the older vintages, this wine has a long life ahead, promising to develop into something just as memorable as the historic beauties we had tasted earlier in the evening.

Additional Highlights: A Showcase of Villa di Capezzana’s Finest Wines

In addition to the Villa di Capezzana vertical tasting, the Bonacossi family graciously served some of their other iconic wines, each adding another dimension to the evening:

• Trebbiano IGT 2023 – A lively white wine showcasing freshness and purity.
• Trefiano Carmignano DOCG Riserva 2020 – A structured and elegant reserve with layers of dark fruit and spice.
• Ugo Contini Bonacossi IGT Toscana 2019 – A special homage wine, demonstrating Capezzana’s excellence with international varieties.
• Ghiale della Furba IGT Toscana 2021 – A beautifully bold Super Tuscan blend, rich with complexity.

Perfect Pairings: A Multi-Course Feast

One of the most delightful aspects of the evening was experiencing how these aged wines paired with the carefully curated courses.

• The first course of braised beef cheek on a bed of soft polenta cream was a perfect match for Villa di Capezzana Carmignano DOCG 2015—its ample structure and dark fruit flavors complemented the dish’s richness beautifully.
• Each vintage found its own harmonious pairing with the meal, further enhancing the wines’ complexity and depth.

The Grand Finale: Vin Santo di Carmignano Riserva 2017

To close the evening, we enjoyed Capezzana’s legendary Vin Santo di Carmignano Riserva DOC 2017, alongside a decadent cheese course.

This golden nectar of Tuscany was the perfect ending—a deep, honeyed dessert wine with astonishing layers of dried apricots, roasted nuts, and caramelized citrus. Its luscious yet balanced sweetness left a lasting impression, a fitting tribute to the grandeur of Villa di Capezzana’s history.

A Night to Remember: The Legacy of Villa di Capezzana Lives On

The “Hundred Years of Villa di Capezzana” tasting was not just an event—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a celebration of history, artistry, and the remarkable aging power of Capezzana’s wines.

Through every pour, we were reminded why Carmignano is one of Italy’s most treasured wine regions, and why Capezzana stands as a monument to Tuscan winemaking excellence.

As I left Il Tornabuoni that evening, I carried with me not only the memory of those extraordinary wines but also a deepened appreciation for the brilliance of the Contini Bonacossi family—keepers of a tradition that has spanned over a millennium.

And if the century-old 1925 wine was any indication, the legacy of Capezzana will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.