From Vine to Glass: The Art of Winemaking at Belvedere 1 in Tuscany
- Our Sustainable Farm (OSF)
Winemaking in Tuscany finds authentic expression at Belvedere 1, a regenerative project rooted in Tuscan agricultural tradition with a contemporary outlook located within One Belvedere Tuscany. We grow mainly Sangiovese clones and make classic Tuscan red wines the traditional way: by hand, with patience, and without shortcuts.
Our approach to winemaking is uncompromising, with no herbicides and no pesticides, relying solely on organic practices that preserve the vitality of the soil and the rich biodiversity of the surrounding landscape.
Everything we do is guided by respect for the land and for the people who have made wine here for generations. Let us understand why each bottle carries such purity, depth, and character. It all begins where great Tuscany wine always starts: in the vineyard.
It All Starts in the Vineyard
Great wine and truly exceptional winemaking in Tuscany always begin in the vineyard, not in the cellar. That is what we truly believe at Belvedere 1.
One Belvedere Tuscany estate sits high in the hills of Castellina in Chianti Classico, between 250 and 350 metres above sea level. Cool nights, sunny days, and the unique mix of limestone and rocky shale (we call it alberese and galestro) create the ideal conditions. This special soil forces the vines to work hard for water and nutrients, and that struggle gives our grapes deep, pure flavours.
The biggest part of our vines are planted as Sangiovese – the iconic Tuscan red grape. We also grow a little Canaiolo and other varieties for our Super-Tuscan wines, but Sangiovese remains the heart of everything we do.
We plant our vines close together – up to 4,000 plants in one hectare. The competition between vines results in smaller, more concentrated grapes, perfect for high-quality Tuscan wines. We keep the yield low – around 45–50 quintals per hectare – because fewer grapes on each vine mean better grapes.
Every winter we prune by hand following strict rules to preserve the quality of the wood. Every spring we watch the new buds appear. All year long our team walks the rows, removing extra shoots and leaves so the sun and air can reach every bunch. Nature does most of the work; we just help a little.
Harvest – The Most Important Days of the Year
Harvest time (la vendemmia) is magical at Belvedere 1.
We never use machines. Every single grape is picked by hand and placed gently into small crates so nothing gets crushed too early.
Our pickers start at sunrise when it is still cool. They walk slowly through the rows and choose only the perfect bunches. Some vineyards are harvested in two or even three different moments over a couple of weeks. This way, every grape is picked exactly when it is ready – not too early, not too late.
When the crates arrive at the winery, we check the grapes again on a sorting table. Anything that is not perfect goes away. Only the best berries go into the tanks.
For more on this season, you may enjoy this article
The End of Harvest at One Belvedere Tuscany: A Season to Remember
Turning Grapes into Wine – Gently and Naturally
After sorting, the grapes move into the cellar. We remove the stems and lightly crush the berries. The juice, skins and seeds (we call it “must”) go into stainless steel or concrete tanks.
We do not add commercial yeast. We trust the natural yeast that lives on the skins of the grapes. These wild yeasts start the fermentation slowly and give our wines their unique personality every year.
Fermentation lasts about 20–25 days. The temperature is carefully controlled – never higher than 26–28 °C – so the process stays gentle. During this time the colour and flavour move from the skins into the liquid.
We taste each tank daily. When the moment is right, we press the skins very softly and move the young wine into the next step.
Aging – Giving the Wine Time to Grow Up
New wine is fresh and fruity, but it is not ready yet. It needs time to become smooth and complex.
At Belvedere 1, aging happens in two types of wooden barrels:
- Big, old Slavonian oak casks (20–50 hectolitres). These barrels let the wine breathe slowly without adding strong oak flavour.
- Smaller French oak barrels and tonneaux (225–500 litres). Some are new, some are a few years old. They give a little spice, toast and softness, especially to our Riserva and single-vineyard wines.
How long does the wine stay in wood?
- Our everyday Chianti Classico Annata spends at least 12–14 months in barrel, then another 3 months resting in bottle.
- The Chianti Classico Riserva stays 24–30 months in wood and at least 6 more months in bottle.
- Our Gran Selezione wine can age up to 36 months between barrels and concrete tanks.
We taste the wine regularly. When the wine is balanced, expressive, and true to its origin, we bottle it.
Bottling and Bottle Rest – The Final Patience
We avoid filtering the wine. A tiny bit of natural sediment does not harm and keeps all the flavour and texture inside the bottle.
After bottling, the wine goes back to our cool, quiet cellar to rest. Some wines rest for just a few months, others for a year or more. This time in the bottle is very important – it lets all the flavours marry together and become one beautiful whole.
Only when the wine meets our expectations do we release it to the world.
What You Taste in Every Glass of Belvedere 1
When you open a bottle of Belvedere 1 Chianti Classico or Riserva, you are tasting:
- Bright red cherry and violet from the Sangiovese grape
- A fresh, lively acidity that comes from our high-altitude vineyards
- Soft, silky tannins that feel elegant in the mouth
- Hints of Mediterranean herbs, balsamic, and a soft touch of sweet spice from the oak
- A long, clean finish that makes you want another sip
Every vintage is a little different because every year the weather conditions are different.
Experience and Taste the Wine Where It is Born
The best way to understand our wines and the essence of winemaking in Tuscany is to experience them at Belvedere 1.
Walk through the vineyards. Touch the soil. Stand in the cool cellar. Taste the wine next to the vineyard where the grapes grew.
We offer simple tastings, guided tours with food, and even the chance to stay in our small boutique rooms surrounded by vineyards.
Whether you’re a wine expert or a curious traveller, you are welcome.
From Our Family to Your Table
At Belvedere 1, our goal is to craft the finest Tuscan wine with care, honesty, and respect for the land. Each bottle reflects our team’s passion and the unique terroir of Castellina in Chianti Classico.
Every sip tells the story of winemaking in Tuscany, the rhythm of the seasons, and the dedication that goes into every grape grown on our estate.
We invite you to experience it for yourself. Visit Belvedere 1, walk the vineyards, explore the cellar, and taste the wines where they are born.
Book your visit or shop our wines at https://onebelvedere.com/wines
See more of Belvedere 1 on Instagram @belvedere 1_winery and stay connected to our vineyards and wines.
“Belvedere 1: Crafted within One Belvedere Tuscany.”