Established 15 years ago by Laura di Collobiano, the Tenuta di Valgiano estate is cultivated according to biodynamic principles. Ideally located close to the Mediterranean coast and at a slight altitude in the Apennines, this domaine produces intensely fruity fresh wines. Tenuta di Valgiano red is delicate and elegant and delivers dark berry notes with mentholated flavours to pleasing effect. It has a subtle, long finish. This wine also has good cellaring potential. Tenuta di Valgiano is located in the village of Capannori in a dazzling landscape in northern Tuscany. On this 60-ectare estate, Laura di Collobiano and Saverio Petrilli grow grapes and olive trees and raise pigs and chickens. Mixed cultivation and biodynamic methods are the bywords on this land where care is lavished on vineyards spanning less than 30 hectares. The domaine straddles a patchwork of soils which brings huge complexity to the wines. The soil is marl-limestone – marl-sandstone-silica at depth and sandy-clay on the surface. In the reign of Napoleon, French troops imported French grape varieties to the region including Merlot, Syrah, Chasselas, Roussanne, Sauvignon and Chardonnay. In the Lucca region, wines are produced under the DOC Colline Lucchesi appellation. This controlled designation permits the use of Sangiovese with indigenous varietals Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, and Colorino, as well as the French grape varieties Merlot and Syrah. Small amounts of Moscati and Aleatico can also be added. Since 1985, this controlled designation of origin (DOC) also allows the production of white wine from Vermentino, Greco, Grechetto, Malvoisie, Chardonnay and Sauvignon. Tenuta di Valgiano is probably the best way to discover this region. It sets the standard.

A blend of French and Italian grape varieties, Palistorti is a superb Mediterranean wine. It is matured for one year, one third in barrels and the rest in concrete vats. This white marvelously combines body and acidity. The finish is particularly pleasant, typical of Rolle (also known as Vermentino), with bitter, mineral notes. Enjoy this fine Italian white with veal cutlet with sage.