The original tower of Capaccia was built in the 13th century and served a pivotal role in the war between the Ghibellines of Siena and the Guelphs of Florence.
With breathtaking views and majestic buildings, here you can experience the history of a region rich in centuries of struggle, culture and prosperity. This land has witnessed wars between Florence and Siena, the rise and fall of rural development, a world war, and recently a rebirth and renewal that have carried it through the 21st century. The estate takes its name from the Latin word for hill, “caput” with the addition of the suffix “accia” to describe its “ugly” impenetrable terrain on all sides. The steep slopes and thick forests surrounding the village acted as a natural barrier to approaching enemies. Capaccia served as a lookout for the Pesa River valley and gave warning to neighboring castles.
Since purchasing the property in 2010, Herman De Bode has assembled a production team to bring to life his vision of creating one of the best wines in Italy.
In the 1970s, Tuscany experienced a renaissance when people from the cities migrated to the countryside. Many of the estates owned by the nobility had become a money drain as the sharecropper economy was banished and taxes on empty buildings increased. By removing the roofs of buildings, landowners avoided paying property tax, but this caused stone walls to collapse to the ground.
Buyers of these neglected properties have been saddled with the burden of cleaning up decades of overgrowth and repairing decrepit structures. Vineyards were replanted and winemaking brought newfound prosperity to the region. Chianti Classico became a favorite destination for foreigners, and the wine gained worldwide fame.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, research and investment in the region catapulted Chianti Classico to the forefront of international wine.
Capaccia has played a significant role by focusing on the production of Sangiovese 100% and growing grapes best suited to the site. A combination of soil composition, altitude and sun exposure create the ideal environment for excellent grape production.
Recent research has focused on grape clones, organic farming and adaptation to farming in a changing climate. Capaccia has chosen specific grape clones and rootstocks for newly planted site-based vineyards.
The estate is currently converting to organic viticulture, so the wines will soon be 100 percent organic. Climate change has challenged the entire wine region, but Capaccia is in a fortunate position to weather the storm. The high altitude, deep roots and strict canopy management allow the grapes to ripen gracefully and avoid undue stress. Harvest time arrives earlier with higher sugar levels resulting in bolder wines.
The state-of-the-art winery allows careful selection of each grape before it is dropped into the tanks. Fermentations are monitored and temperature-controlled to maintain wine quality.
The underground barrique cellar maintains a constant temperature and humidity to allow slow barrel aging. The wines are carefully bottled and allowed to rest in a temperature- and humidity-controlled storage room until they are released to the market.
Podere Capaccia Società Agricola Srl
53017 Radda in Chianti, Siena, Italy
P.IVA 00356670521
C.F. 92000630522
R.E.A. SI-98975