In Barberino Tavarnelle (Florence), Poggio al Sole is a family-run organic winery in the Chianti Classico region, producing wines distinguished by their drinkability, balance and elegance, with a strong focus on Sangiovese.
History of Poggio al Sole
Poggio al Sole stands on a ridge near Badia a Passignano, in the north-western part of the Chianti Classico region. Documents preserved in the archives of the nearby abbey confirm that grapevines and olive trees were already cultivated on the estate in the 12th century.
The modern history of the estate began in 1990, when Johannes and Kathrin Davaz moved to Chianti from the Bündner Herrschaft area in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, where their family had been producing wine since the 1970s. A winegrower and oenologist, Johannes gradually renovated the vineyards and cellar, developing a style based on precision and the enhancement of Sangiovese. Since 2019, their son Valentino and his wife Stephanie have also been involved in running the estate.
Today, Poggio al Sole remains owned by the Davaz family and comprises approximately 27 hectares of vineyards, producing around 100,000 bottles per year. Winemaking is overseen by Valentino Davaz, who combines technical precision with a strong inclination towards experimentation, bringing together tradition and innovation through a contemporary interpretation of the estate’s winemaking heritage.
Philosophy of Poggio al Sole
The vineyards have been managed according to the principles of organic farming since 2013 and have been officially certified organic since 2016; all the wines are also certified vegan. Harvesting is carried out by hand, while yields are limited to 400–600 grams of grapes per square metre, encouraging even ripening and a measured balance between concentration and freshness.
Fermentation takes place primarily in stainless steel, while tanks, large barrels and barriques are used according to the characteristics of each individual wine. Oak is employed with restraint, often favouring used barrels in order to preserve the integrity of the fruit. The production philosophy seeks drinkability, balance and elegance, resulting in precise, harmonious wines in which Sangiovese remains the main stylistic reference.
Locanda di Poggio al Sole
The Davaz family’s offering is completed by the Locanda di Poggio al Sole, a restaurant and wine bar located in Località Sillano, in the municipality of Greve in Chianti, with panoramic views towards Badia a Passignano.
The cuisine highlights the specialities of Tuscan tradition and regional ingredients, paired with wines from the estate. The Locanda therefore represents a natural extension of Poggio al Sole’s winemaking activities and of the Davaz family’s close relationship with the Chianti Classico territory.
Hospitality at Poggio al Sole
Surrounded by the vineyards and olive groves of Chianti Classico, Poggio al Sole offers five independent accommodation units, ideal for a relaxing stay in the Tuscan countryside. La Colombaia, spacious and elegant, measures 105 m² and can accommodate up to 6 guests; Ginestra, comfortable and practical, offers 55 m² of space and sleeps 3 guests; while Bella Vista, particularly romantic and panoramic, measures 70 m² and also accommodates 3 guests. The selection is completed by Giulietta, a welcoming 23 m² accommodation for 2 guests, and Pasqualina, a 39 m² apartment sleeping 2 guests. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool and free parking, in a strategic location for exploring Badia a Passignano and the surrounding villages and wineries.
The hospitality offering also includes the four double rooms at the Locanda di Poggio al Sole, which is easily accessible via paved roads. Located on the first floor of the main building, the rooms feature box-spring beds, a sitting area, a modern bathroom with shower, a safe and air conditioning. They can be booked individually or together. Guests also have access to a fully equipped kitchen, complete with a refrigerator, induction hob, oven and coffee machine, as well as a private terrace with a relaxation area and free parking.
Wines of Poggio al Sole
The vineyards extend around the estate, which stands at approximately 420 metres above sea level, reaching elevations of up to 530 metres. Predominantly south-east to south-west-facing exposures, combined with the altitude and ventilation, encourage gradual ripening and help preserve the wines’ acidity and aromatic definition.
The estate’s most representative wine is the Chianti Classico DOCG Organic, produced from 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Sangiovese provides freshness and structure, while Canaiolo contributes softness and overall harmony. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, with 12–16 days of maceration, followed by approximately 12 months of maturation, primarily in used oak.
At the top of the range is Casasilia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, a single-varietal Sangiovese produced through a rigorous selection of grapes from the estate’s oldest vineyards. Vinification involves more than 20 days of maceration, followed by approximately 18 months of maturation in first- and second-use barriques.
Among the estate’s most original labels is the Sangiovese Bianco Toscana IGT, one of the earliest documented examples of white-vinified Sangiovese in Tuscany, first produced in 2013. The grapes are pressed immediately after harvesting; the must ferments at 16°C, does not undergo malolactic fermentation and matures on its fine lees until January. The result is a fresh, dry and elegant white wine.
The range is completed by Primavera, a rosé produced exclusively from Sangiovese; Chiara, a fresh and immediately approachable white wine; Trittico, a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; Ponente, a more structured red wine; and Syrah Toscana IGT, produced in limited quantities from old vines.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione “Casasilia” 2023 – Poggio al Sole
Aromas of sour cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, violet, forest floor and tobacco. Intense and elegant on the palate, with a polished, profound structure, well-defined tannins and a long, persistent finish.
Technical details: Selection of the finest grapes from the estate’s oldest Sangiovese vineyards surrounding the winery. Hand-harvested, fermented in stainless steel and macerated for more than 20 days. Matured for 18 months in first- and second-use barriques.
Grape variety: 100% Sangiovese
Municipality: Barberino Tavarnelle – San Donato in Poggio UGA
Organic: ✅
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Casasilia
Rating: 95/100 Italy’s Finest Wines (2023 vintage)
Poggio al Sole Information & Contact Details
Address: Strada Rignana 2, Badia a Passignano, 50028 Barberino Tavarnelle (Florence)
Telephone: +39 055 8071850
Website: www.poggioalsole.com
Email: info@poggioalsole.com
Wine tastings at the estate: YES
Direct sales: YES
Book a wine tasting: https://poggioalsole.com/en/book-a-tasting/
Online shop: https://shop.poggioalsole.com/
The tasting room is open throughout the year, Monday to Saturday, from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm. Cellar tours are available at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm.
Wine Tasting: €15 per person
Wine Tasting & Cellar Tour: €30 per person
Wine Tasting, Cellar Tour & Light Lunch: €40 per person
