Turning Vision Into Wine
In 1986, Paolo Osti decided to take a dramatic left turn, pivoting from a successful career as an engineer and becoming a sommelier and winemaker, taking on a beautiful property in the Chianti Classico region about 15 km south of Florence. It was a big risk for a man with a dream but no experience and a young family in tow. 36 years later, Paolo has grown the estate of Torraccia di Presura to 75 hectares, with about half under vine and the rest a mix of olive groves and natural forest. He remains firm in his vision of living and working in harmony with the land and takes great care with planting, cultivating and pruning to do exactly what his vineyards need to achieve the highest quality in his wines.
Torraccia di Presura’s vineyards grow in nutrient-poor, marl-clay soils that lead to vine vigour and great complexity in the wines; a steady, warm microclimate assures optimal ripeness even in challenging years. In addition, the vineyards are surrounded by woodlands that have a healthy undergrowth of Mediterranean shrubs like myrtle, arbutus, laurel and juniper, whose distinctive aromatics infuse the grapes and wines with tremendous character. The mainstay of the vineyards is Sangiovese, but Paolo also grows Canaiolo Nero, Colorino, Foglia Tonda, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are often blended with Sangiovese; Trebbiano, Malvasia Bianca Lunga of Chianti and Chardonnay produce a small amount of white wine. In the winery, completely rebuilt and modernized, winemaking is clean and straightforward, with most fermentations completed in stainless steel to preserve fruit and oak barriques used judiciously to add depth to the wines.
Today, the winery is a family affair: Paolo’s wife Laura designs the striking labels for all the wines and their two sons Leonardo and Federico have joined their parents in the business. With vision, courage and a tremendous commitment to hard work, Paolo has made his dream of Torracia di Presura into a wonderful reality.
Torraccia di Presura 2018 ‘Sefiro’, Chianti Colle Fiorentini
Retail: $21.95 / btl
Torraccia di Presura 2017 ‘il Tarocco’, Chianti Classico Riserva
Retail: $44.95 / btl (6btl/cs)
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The Wines
Torraccia di Presura 2018 ‘Sefiro’, Chianti Colle Fiorentini
The wine was cool-fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain the purity of the fruit. Once vinified, 50% was transferred to small French oak barriques for six months before the final blend was made. Bright ruby red in colour, the wine has aromas of red berry fruit with floral notes of iris. Lively on the palate with fresh acidity and dusty tannins, nice balance and a long finish.
Torraccia di Presura 2017 ‘il Tarocco’, Chianti Classico Riserva
The fruit, the acidity and the terroir all contribute to a wine that showcases the essential character of Chianti Classico. Intense ruby red in colour with elegant aromas of ripe red fruit and notes of spice and vanilla. The wine has a full, well-structured and balanced palate with an intense and long finish. Will age and continue to develop for 15-20 years.
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About Torraccia di Presura
Torraccia di Presura is located in the northernmost part of the Chianti Classico district. It belonged to the 19th century villa ‘La Presura’ until 1986, when it was acquired by Paolo Osti & Laura Landi. The ancient soil is lean, light, and stony, leading to vine stress that bears complex fruit. The microclimate is warm due to the low altitude, assuring excellent ripeness even in challenging vintages. Produced entirely from 30 hectares of estate vineyards, harvested by hand, we love the ‘authenticity’ of these wines. Typical annual production is approximately 200,000 bottles. The fruit, the acidity, and the ‘terroir’ all contribute to wines that show the essential character of Chianti Classico, and a proven capacity for extended ageing.
‘Il Tarocco’ Chianti Classico is Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo Nero, matured in older French oak, while the Riserva is 100% Sangiovese, from 20+ year-old vines, again matured in French oak (new & used). The Super-Tuscan ‘Lucciolaio’ is 80% Sangiovese from 30+ year-old vines and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, matured 18 months in barrique. Il Tarocco’s style is contemporary but not ‘international’, stressing balance and finesse over raw power. To us, it remains the most charming, characteristic and versatile expression of Chianti Classico. ‘Sefiro’ (aka Zephyr) is a Chianti produced from estate-owned vineyards located 1 km from the winery, but outside the Chianti Classico zone, in the hills of Firenze,. This ‘entry-level’ Chianti Colli Fiorentini represents outstanding character and hand-made quality at a very reasonable price. Mostly Sangiovese, with a small percentage of Canaiolo Nero.
Laura designed all the labels. Il Tarocco (the Tarot) labels are inspired by the mirror image and day-night form of Tarot cards. The stunning label of Lucciolaio sparkles with golden luminescence of fireflies (Lucciolo) found at the estate at twilight. The investment in Torraccia di Presura has been substantial. The Ostis have completely rebuilt the winery, creating a thoroughly modern facility dedicated to producing the best wine that their vineyards can achieve.
As with so many of the families with represent, after 20 years of watching the ‘kids’ grow up, we’re enjoying seeing the next generation step into the business. Sons Leonardo and Federico Osti have joined their parents in both the winery and hospitality.
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Torraccia di Presura is represented in Ontario by The Vine Agency.
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