Cavaliere D'Oro

Cavaliere D'Oro

Directions

Gaily bedight, 
A gallant knight, 
In castle and in shanty
Had journeyed long
Singing a song
In search of good Chianti

-    Profound apologies to Edgar Allan Poe

Tuscany!

If only he’d steered his steed to the middle of Italy.

Chianti’s home - the eternally beautiful Tuscany (Toscana) - is located approximately in the quadriceps region of Italy’s sassy thigh-high boot. It enjoys a coastline along the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas, and shares borders with Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, and Marche in the north; Umbria in the east; and Lazio to the southeast. 

Criss-crossed by major mountain chains, Tuscany is two-thirds hills, and one-quarter mountains. Arithmetic has never been WineDown’s strong suit, but that adds up to a lot of undulations. Pretty much the only flat terrain is a narrow coastal plain and the valley of the Arno - Tuscany’s main river - that springs in the Apennines; wends its way under the Ponte Vecchio through Florence; winks at Pisa’s famous leaner, then empties itself into the Tyrrhenian.

Naming rights

Etruria, as they called it, was first civilised by the Etruscans around 1000 BC. They built roads, developed mines (to support their extraordinary bronze artworks), and established agriculture. Things were going swimmingly until Rome did its Empirical thing, setting up military outposts in Florence and Siena, and generally subsuming the Etruscan culture. By the 1st Century BC, the Etruscans were out, and the Romans were in. Under Rome, the region was renamed Tuscia; which morphed into Tuscania, and finally, Toscana.

Empires come and empires go

The Romans capitalised on the excellent start the Etruscans had provided, improving infrastructure, and doubling down on agriculture. With cereals, olives, wine, vegetables, and fruit all flourishing, the region became known as the Breadbasket of Italy.  

By the 5th century AD, however, it was curtains for the Western Roman Empire. Tuscany was briefly laid waste by Barbarians, Visigoths and Vandals until Emperor Justinian reconquered the region with his newly-minted Byzantine Empire. 

Castello di Gabbiano

In the 11th century, wealthy Florentine banking family, the Bardi, commenced construction of a fortified square tower along the important road that linked Florence and Siena. Like so many ambitious building projects, Castello di Gabbiano was a work in progress. Four cylindrical corner towers, vaulted wine cellars, perimeter walls and battlements were all added at various times throughout its long history. (But it’s pertinent to point out that the magnificent wine cellar was one of the earlier improvements).

Messing with the Medici

In the early 15th century, the Castello changed hands (Spacious, secure castle: built-in wine cellar, handy all amens, vendor keen to sell…), passing to one of Florence’s most influential families, the Soderini. (It was Soderini family who transformed the fortress into the Castello that we recognise today.) But there was political turmoil. In Florence, the Medici were coming into their ascendency. Already the wealthiest family in Europe, they had Papal and Monarchical ambitions. When the Soderini opposed them, it was at their peril. They were declared rebels and banned from the region. Castello di Gabbiano was abandoned.

Genuine Fixer Upperer

In 1623, the Soderini returned to their derelict home and set about repairing it. Subsequent centuries have seen multiple owners, each ensuring the continued restoration of the estate. Today, the stately castle sits proudly among 100 hectares of olive groves and snaking vineyards. It hosts art exhibitions and events, boasts a range of accommodations, and a world-class winery. For a gallant knight, Castello di Gabbiano is a half day’s gentle clip-clop from Florence. The rest of us may drive and be there in a little over half an hour.

Cavaliere d’Oro 

Like many modern wineries, Gabbiano sources the best produce from the best regions for their wines. Accordingly, the Cavaliere d’Oro Prosecco is a multi-region blend, while the Pinot Grigio hails from Veneto in the north for that extra tang. But the Cavaliere d’Oro Chianti DOCG is 100% Tuscan. 

90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot. Just check my maths - that’s 200% Chianti, right? Impressive!