Home >Wine Store >San Fabiano Calcinaia, Chianti Classico

Rose, tart red cherry, cedar, bittersweet chocolate, leather earth and vanilla.

San Fabiano Calcinaia is located in the hills near the well known town of Castellina in Chianti. The farmhouse and cellars are part of a small medieval hamlet dating back to around the year 1000 A.D. These days, the property is owned and run by Guido Serio, who bought it in 1983, restored it and made it one of the most beautiful estates in Tuscany. To complement this unmatchable setting, they knew that a truly elite wine would be called for. Enter Carlo Ferrini, one of Italy's premier winemakers and viticulturist Rocco Giorgio, who transformed San Fabiano Calcinaia from a must-see cultural sight into a truly remarkable wine producer. The pair has gained fame throughout the wine world for their consistently excellent creations of both high-end and simpler wines.

I think Sangiovese and then I think pasta. My kids grew up with plenty of different shaped pastas, and one of their favorites was pastina, prepared simply with a little butter and grated cheese. My recipe for Pastina Timbale takes my kids' favorite to a new level. Full of Italian sausage, roast peppers, gorgonzola and parmesan cheeses all cloaked in a rich tomato sauce, it is baked and then unmolded. This is a terrific dish on its own or as a side course.

Even if the wines weren't wonderful (which they are) this winery would be a magical place to visit thanks to its history and setting alone.