Villa Saletta is special. Established over 500 years ago by the Riccardi, the legendary Florence banking family, it has winemaking roots dating back to 980AD. Meticulously renovated over the past 20 years by Guy Hands (founder of Hand-Picked Hotels and the Terra Firma Private Equity Group), his wife Julia along with Head Winemaker and General Manager David Landini, the estate is committed to supporting biodiversity beyond wine. Much of the landscape is given over to mixed agricultural use, encouraging biodiversity and balance in the environment, which positively impacts viticulture and restores its heritage as a working fattoria, producing Tuscany's finest raw ingredients.
This harmony and balance are reflected in their wines. The winemaking process at Villa Saletta is exacting. Only perfect berries are used, undergoing integral fermentation in small new barrels of Allier French oak and perlè casks that create a 'redox atmosphere'. This technique reduces oxygen exposure, allowing the first drops of wine to develop slowly on the skins, maintaining freshness and aroma while extracting colour and roundness for an elegant and supple soft tannin structure.
Following this, the wine undergoes complete malolactic fermentation in new French oak barrels, converting tart or sharp tastes into softer, buttery flavours—a method more associated with the Bordelais and unique to Villa Saletta in Italy. The revival of this estate comes with rewards—James Suckling rated the 980AD (100% Cabernet Franc) 94 points, and their Chianti Superiore gained the Tre Bicchieri at the Gambero Rosso awards.
Villa Saletta Chiave di Saletta Toscana IGT 2016
Region: Tuscany, Pisa, Italy
Grapes: 50% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot
Background:
This wine showcases the meticulous winemaking and rich history of Villa Saletta. The careful selection and blending of four noble varieties embody the estate’s commitment to quality. The name “Chiave,” meaning key, represents unlocking the full potential of these Tuscan vineyards.
Grapes and Vineyard:
Sourced from Villa Saletta's estate vineyards, the grapes are carefully managed through leaf removal, crop thinning, and hand selection. The balance of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot captures the essence of Tuscany’s diverse terroir.
Winemaking:
Each grape variety undergoes separate vinification, allowing for careful attention to extraction and balance. After fermentation, the wine ages for 14 months in French oak barrels (a combination of new and used), followed by additional bottle aging to enhance integration and complexity.
Sight:
An intense red with garnet hues.
Nose:
Aromas of ripe berries, dark chocolate, and balsamic tones are layered with spicy hints from the oak. Vanilla and herbal notes provide further complexity.
Palate:
This wine delivers a supple, elegant texture with velvety tannins. Dark fruit flavours, mint, tobacco, and chocolate are beautifully balanced, leading to a long, persistent finish with balsamic undertones.
Food Match:
Ideal with roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses. Its complexity also makes it a great pairing for truffle-based dishes.
Scores:
- 91 points from Falstaff
More from Villa Saletta
