Tenuta Sette Pointi Toscana
Tenuta Sette Ponti is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy.
The estate, which spans over 1,500 acres, was originally purchased by the Moretti family in the 1950s as a country retreat. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that the Moretti family decided to convert a portion of their land into vineyards and produce their own wines.
Today, Tenuta Sette Ponti is recognized as one of the top wineries in Italy, producing world-class wines that are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
Tenuta Sette Ponti History
The history of Tenuta Sette Ponti dates back to the 13th century, when the estate was first established.
The name “Sette Ponti” means “seven bridges” in Italian, a reference to the seven bridges that once crossed the nearby Arno River. En route, I saw one of these bridges captured in the famous Mona Lisa painting.
Over the centuries, the estate changed hands several times, with each new owner leaving their mark on the land. In the 1950s, the Moretti family acquired the estate and began restoring the historic buildings on the property.
Tenuta Setti Ponte Today
Today, the estate includes a 16th-century villa, a chapel, and several farmhouses, all of which have been carefully restored and renovated to preserve their historic character.
It wasn’t until the late 1990s that the Moretti family decided to begin producing their own wines.
They hired winemaker Carlo Ferrini, who is widely regarded as one of the top winemakers in Italy, to oversee the production of their wines. Ferrini was tasked with selecting the best grape varietals for the estate’s vineyards, which were planted on the hillsides surrounding the estate.
He chose Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, which are well-suited to the warm, sunny climate of Tuscany.
Tenuta Sette Ponti Range of Wines
Tenuta Sette Ponti produces several different wines, each of which showcases the unique characteristics of the estate’s vineyards.
Their flagship wine is Oreno, a Bordeaux-style blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
Oreno is widely considered to be one of the best Super Tuscan wines on the market, consistently receiving high ratings from wine critics around the world. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, which gives it a rich, complex flavor profile that is both powerful and elegant.
In addition to Oreno, Tenuta Sette Ponti also produces Crognolo, a Sangiovese-based wine that is aged in French oak barrels for 14 months. Crognolo is a more affordable alternative to Oreno, but it still offers a high level of quality and complexity. The wine is named after the Cornelian cherry that grows on the hill where the estate’s vineyards are located, and it reflects the unique terroir of the area.
Another notable wine produced by Tenuta Sette Ponti is Poggio al Lupo, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine that is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. Poggio al Lupo is a powerful, full-bodied wine that is rich and complex, with notes of black currant, blackberry, and vanilla. It is named after the estate’s vineyards, which are located on a hill known as “Poggio al Lupo,” or “Hill of the Wolf.”
In addition to these wines, Tenuta Sette Ponti also produces a white wine called Vigna dell’Impero, which is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. Vigna dell’Impero is aged in French oak barrels for 10 months, which gives it a rich, creamy texture and flavors of tropical fruit and vanilla.
Tenuta Sette Ponti International Wine Market
Another important aspect of Tenuta Sette Ponti’s success is its platform in the international wine market. The winery has worked hard to establish itself as a top producer of Super Tuscan wines, which are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
By participating in international wine fairs and competitions, and by cultivating relationships with top wine merchants and distributors, Tenuta Sette Ponti has been able to reach a global audience and establish itself as a respected player in the industry.
But beyond the business side of things, what truly sets Tenuta Sette Ponti apart is its commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Tuscany. The estate’s historic buildings and vineyards are a testament to the rich history and traditions of the region, and the Moretti family is dedicated to ensuring that these treasures are protected for future generations to enjoy.
By producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the area, and by sharing the beauty and history of Tuscany with the world, Tenuta Sette Ponti is helping to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of this special part of Italy.
Sustainable Farming Practices
One of the key ways in which Tenuta Sette Ponti has established itself as a leading winery is through its commitment to sustainable farming practices. The estate’s vineyards are managed using organic and biodynamic methods, which prioritize the health of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem.
This approach not only produces high-quality grapes, but also supports the long-term health and sustainability of the land.
Terroir
The terroir of Tenuta Sette Ponti is an essential element in the production of its exceptional wines. The estate is located in the heart of Tuscany, in the province of Arezzo, and encompasses over 1,500 acres of land. The vineyards are situated on hillsides that face south, southeast, and southwest, and are protected by the Apennine Mountains to the east.
The soil in this region is rich in clay, limestone, and mineral deposits, which gives the wines produced here their unique character and complexity. The clay in the soil helps to retain moisture, which is essential in a region with hot, dry summers. The limestone contributes to the soil’s alkalinity, which helps to regulate the pH of the grapes. And the mineral deposits provide essential nutrients to the vines, which help to produce healthy, flavorful grapes.
Climate
The climate of the region is also an important factor in the terroir of Tenuta Sette Ponti. The estate enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The hot summers are essential for ripening the grapes, while the mild winters allow the vines to rest and prepare for the next growing season.
The combination of the unique soil, climate, and topography of Tenuta Sette Ponti gives its wines their distinctive character and flavor profile. The Sangiovese grapes, which are the primary grape varietal used in the production of Tenuta Sette Ponti’s wines, are known for their high acidity and tannins, which are balanced by the warm, sunny climate and mineral-rich soil. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, which are also used in the blends, add depth and complexity to the wines, thanks to the unique terroir of the region.
Final Thoughts
A delightful visit to this family-owned winery offering guests quality wines and warm hospitality.
