San Giusto a Rentennano
Summary
San Giusto a Rentennano is a family-owned estate in Gaiole in Chianti with 31 hectares of vineyards at 270-340 meters elevation, producing primarily Sangiovese-based wines from galestro and alberese soils with advantageous south/southwest exposures. Their winemaking balances tradition with selective innovation, employing sustainable practices, hand harvesting with double selection, and varied aging protocols in both Slavonian oak casks and French barriques to express their distinctive terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
San Giusto a Rentennano sits on land with deep historical roots in Tuscany's Chianti Classico region. Originally a medieval monastery dating to the 10th century, the property later became a fortress during the conflicts between Siena and Florence. Since 1957, the Martini di Cigala family has owned and operated the estate, located in Gaiole in Chianti. Following the death of Enrico Martini di Cigala in 1992, his children assumed responsibility for the property, with Luca overseeing winemaking, Francesco managing the vineyards, and Elisabetta handling administration and sales.
The estate's transition to quality wine production began in earnest during the 1970s, when the family started bottling their own production rather than selling in bulk. This period marked a significant shift in focus toward producing wines that expressed the distinctive character of their terroir. The family maintains a commitment to traditional Tuscan varieties while implementing modern techniques where appropriate to enhance quality.
Vineyards & Wines
San Giusto a Rentennano encompasses 160 hectares in total, with 31 hectares dedicated to vineyards. The property sits at elevations ranging from 270 to 340 meters above sea level in the southern portion of Chianti Classico. The vineyards benefit from a south/southwest exposure that maximizes sun exposure while the surrounding forests provide protection from harsh weather.
The estate's soil composition varies across the property but predominantly features galestro (schistous clay) and alberese (limestone), typical of the finest sites in Chianti Classico. These poor, well-draining soils naturally limit vine vigor and contribute to concentrated fruit. Sangiovese dominates the plantings at approximately 80%, with complementary plantings of Canaiolo, Colorino, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. For white varieties, the estate grows Malvasia Bianca, Trebbiano, and Chardonnay.
The flagship wines include their Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva "Le Baròncole," and the IGT Toscana "Percarlo" (100% Sangiovese). The estate also produces "La Ricolma" (100% Merlot), Vin Santo Giusto (dessert wine), and olive oil from their 30 hectares of olive groves.
Philosophy & Practice
San Giusto a Rentennano adheres to a philosophy that balances respect for tradition with thoughtful innovation. The estate practices sustainable agriculture throughout their vineyards, focusing on minimal intervention. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand, with careful selection in the vineyard and again at the sorting table.
In the cellar, fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for the Chianti Classico wines, while Percarlo and La Ricolma ferment in open-top wooden vats. The winery employs both native and selected yeasts depending on the vintage conditions and wine. Aging protocols vary by wine: the Chianti Classico ages 12 months in a combination of large Slavonian oak casks and used French barriques; the Riserva spends 18-24 months in similar vessels; Percarlo matures for 22-24 months in French barriques (50% new); and La Ricolma ages 18-20 months in new French barriques.
The family maintains a deliberate production scale that allows for meticulous attention to detail at every stage. Rather than expanding production volume, they focus on maximizing the quality potential of their existing vineyards through precise vineyard management and careful vinification. This approach has established San Giusto a Rentennano as a benchmark producer within Chianti Classico, particularly for their ability to craft wines that balance power with elegance and site-specific character.