Although technically a frazione of Greve in Chianti, Panzano is one of the most important and storied terroirs in Chianti Classico. Located just north of the geographic center of the appellation, Panzano is a very diverse village when it comes to terroir. However, the best wines unquestionably come from the Conca d’Oro and its environs. The Golden Shell is a south-facing amphitheater that yields some of the ripest and most complex wines in all of Tuscany. This Trio presents three wines that demonstrate the greatness Panzano can achieve and why its terroir is worth studying.

Le Cinciole is a small farm just north of Panzano’s Conca d’Oro. Vineyards ranging from 430-500 meters in elevation represent some of the highest in the village, which results in a brighter, more elegant expression of Sangiovese. Vinification includes 12 months in 20-hectoliter casks of French oak followed by 12 months in cement tanks. Gorgeous floral aromatics give way to bright red fruit, fresh acidity, and soft tannins in a Chianti Classico that is all about finesse and balance.

Known for producing a powerful style of Chianti Classico, Fontodi is justifiably one of the most famous wineries in the region. A large part of Fontodi’s success can be attributed to their vineyards, the majority of which lie in the heart of the Conca d’Oro and produce rich, concentrated Sangiovese. Vinification in a mix of small and large old French oak barrels allows ripe red Sangiovese fruit to shine while sweet tannins frame a long, mouthwatering finish.

Located just across a valley from Fontodi, Castello dei Rampolla is a winery that has taken full advantage of the Conca d’Oro’s heat by embracing Bordeaux varietals since the 1970s. They make two stunning blends and even their Chianti Classico employs a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, a duo that adds dark fruit and supple tannins to their potent Sangiovese. Fermentation in concrete and aging in a variety of oak barrels accentuates the Conca d’Oro’s unique ripeness in a wine that could not be made anywhere but in Panzano.