CASTELLO DI MELETO

Castello di Meleto Gaiole in (prov. , TOSCANA)

Castello di Meleto is an old castle in the heart of Castello di Meleto disposes of 160 hectares of the Chianti area of . In the seventies of vineyards, situated around nearby Pieve di the last century Castello di Meleto was bought Spaltenna and San Pietro in Avenano, all in the by a public company and today it is owned for community of Gaiole. Up till the year 2000 more than 75% by a private family. In and some 125 hectares have been replanted, paying around the castle beautiful accommodations for special attention to the right clones and low guests have been created; you can enjoy yields per plant. The remaining hectares will be elegance in Tuscan style in a room or apartment replanted soon. 80% of the vineyards is planted of your choice. with , 15% with Merlot, while the Strategically situated on the top of a hill, remaining 5% is taken up by Cabernet overlooking the frontiers of the provinces of Sauvignon, Alicante, Syrah and Trebbiano. Siena and , you need little phantasy to Only red wines are produced, first and foremost understand its important role in the past. Chianti Classico. In the 12th century Benedictine monks from As the combination of climate, soil and altitude nearby Abazzia di Coltibuono settled down favour more profumed wines as well, we can here. Not much later it became one of the many expect some Meleto Vermentino in the near fortifications that, in a climate of insecurity, future. Because the wines are becoming like the became a centre of political and military power. 'castle villa' itself: combining power and For centuries Castello di Meleto was part of a elegance. theatre of war, without ever being demolished, however. Famous and noble families made it their home. The Firidolfis, for example, who at their turn had strong family ties with the Ricasolis, families that dominated the Chianti area for a long time. And not only the area. It was who in 1872 defined the formula of Chianti, the wine. In 1700, Castello di Meleto was transformed into a 'castle villa'. Part, but not all, of the defence structures disappeared. Today, the interior and decorations are still very much as they were in that period, including a tiny theatre with a capacity of no more than thirty people.