Chianti Wines and Oil
Chianti Classico

La Croce Chianti farm

The origins of "La Croce" estate date back to the 1960s, when the Zari, farmers for generations, took over its ownership and continued their agricultural activity.

Today it is run by the families of Renzo, Ademaro, Ivo and Sergio Zari who, with their respective families, cultivate the land.

The estate is situated between Castellina in Chianti and Poggibonsi (Siena), near the Sant' Agnese Nature Reserve, the only Italian example of a natural cypress grove characterised by spontaneous renewal , dating back to about 10 centuries ago and considered to be an authentic historical monument of considerable landscape-related value.

The average altitude of the estate is approximately 350 metres above sea level and the soil is stony and of mixed consistency, excellent for the cultivation of vines and particularly for the production of high quality wines; it occupies an overall area of 150 hectares, subdivided among vineyards, olive groves, seed crops and woodland.

The vineyard stretches for 60 hectares, 15 of which are listed in the Chianti Classico register, with 30 listed in the Chianti register and the remaining 15 classified as Indicazione Geografica Tipica Toscana (Tuscan Typical Geographic Indication).

As with every traditional farm in Chianti, the estate cultivates olives as well as wines.

Approximately 18 hectares are planted with 4500 olive trees of the classic varieties, known as Frantoio, Moraiolo, Leccino and Pendolino; the estate layout is completed by land cultivated with seed crops (60 hectares) and woods (18 hectares).

The grape harvest is carried out strictly by hand and the grapes are immediately transported to our cellar - a modern structure where technology combines with the high quality required for all the vinification and ageing processes.

Approximately 3000 hl of wine are produced, subdivided among Chianti Classico DOCG, Chianti DOCG, IGT Toscano, and Red and White Table Wine.

The olive grove produces about 6,4 tons of extra virgin olive oil, part of which is classified as Denomination of Protected Origin (DOP) "Chianti Classico".

The estate has an outstanding production capacity and, despite the dimensions reached over the years, continues to be a family run concern.