The Wine and Cellars at Villa Le Corti

It was a  beautiful sunny Tuscan day, the kind you dream about, or read about in books. Our driver wound his way along the Via Raccordo Autostradale on our way to Villa Le Corti in San Casciano in Val di Pesa.  Set on 230 acres in the Chianti countryside about 25 kms out of Florence on the way to Sienna, you will find this fabulous Tuscan winery that produces Principe Corsini wines and Olive Oils.

Built in 1600, the villa is the current residence of the Duccio Corsini and his family and is surrounded by lush gardens, olive groves and beautiful vineyards.  The original farm dates to 1363. Incredible!

The view over the Tuscan countryside is something we here in North America only dream about, but I was living this dream and it was surreal.  You can see my description and photography of the gardens here.

Standing in the vineyard, walking by some of these ancient olive trees was a delight that had been fulfilled by the three Corsini brothers who had the vision to begin this business almost 700 years ago.

Wine cellars at Villa le Corti exist both above and underground.  The underground cellars were built at the same time as the villa and houses the farm’s bounty of wine and olive oils.  The huge beautifully aged earthen jugs are a sight to see as they are historic artifacts of the family business dating back hundreds of years.

The family still uses traditional methods in olive oil and wine production.  In fact, Principe Corsini wine is an organically produced Chianti Classico. Many of the wines are DOCG certified, the highest standard of Chianti Classico wines.

We enjoyed a tasting in the upstairs tasting room after touring the vineyard, gardens, and wine cellars.  My favourite was the Don Tommaso Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG for its rich, intense and oh so smooth Sangiovese flavour. It was perfectly paired with a selection of local cheeses. 

They were gracious enough to allow me a pass on the meat and to indulge my vegetarian tendencies in the delicious cheeses, and olive oil dipped breads.

Passing under the wine bottle chandelier, I walked back out into the Tuscan sunshine satiated with the exceptional wines and cheeses offered and my bag of purchases firmly in hand. I wandered some more around the property taking in the ambiance and the beauty of this incredible place. Looking out over the hills and vineyards.  

How could it be that people who walked the earth and are long gone have provided such pleasures for me.  It seemed almost unfair to be rejoicing in the fruits of their labour.

Grateful for my blessings I continued my way through the Tuscan countryside, with more to come, yet sustaining the memory of this joyous encounter at Villa le Corti.

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You can access the full history of this magnificent place and the Corsini family on their website.

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