The Valdarno is one of the historic wine-growing regions of Tuscany, a hilly valley traversed by the River Arno and nestled between the slopes of Pratomagno and the hills facing towards Chianti. In this landscape, viticulture thrives mainly on the well-exposed slopes, where the altitude, ventilation and sunlight promote the gradual and complete ripening of the grapes.
The climate strikes a balance between continental and Mediterranean influences: winters can be cold, whilst summers are hot and sunny. The temperature variations between day and night help to preserve the grapes’ aromatic profile and freshness, particularly during the final stage of ripening. Rainfall, which is more frequent in the autumn and winter months, accompanies the vines’ dormant period and their spring reawakening.
The geology of the area is varied. The ancient Valdarno lake basin has left behind clayey, sandy and gravelly sediments, whilst soils of different origins and textures are found on the hills. This diversity, combined with deep soils and cohesive subsoils, allows for recognisable differences between plots, exposures and altitudes. The vineyards, which face predominantly west and south-west, benefit from good ventilation and high levels of sunshine.
The main grape variety is Sangiovese, alongside traditional varieties such as Pugnitello, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia Nera and Colorino del Valdarno. Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay are also grown. The range includes structured, age-worthy red wines, lighter-styled reds, fragrant whites, rosés, sparkling wines and passito wines, produced using winemaking techniques designed to bring out the best in the grapes and their terroir.
The local winemaking history has its roots in the Etruscan era and was formally recognised in the 1716 decree issued by Cosimo III de’ Medici, who acknowledged the Valdarno di Sopra as one of the areas of Tuscany suited to the production of quality wines. The DOC designation, established in 2011, has restored this territorial identity to its rightful prominence.
