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Colombaio di Cencio is located in the heart of the picturesque Chianti Classico appellation in the town of Gaiole, one of the historic communes where Chianti Classico is produced and one of its most renowned. The estate’s 25 hectares planted to vine are divided between its Cornia vineyard planted to Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and white grapes; Montelodoli where Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot are grown; and Vinci where Sangiovese is the only grape variety planted. Just as important as the growing sites are the property’s more than 80 hectares covered by woods and populated by Tuscany’s natural flora and fauna. Currently in the process of converting to organic farming, the winery attributes the distinctive Tuscan character of its wines to the fact that its vineyards are surrounded by forest and wildlife: They provide the biodiversity needed for truly terroir-driven wines. Its growing sites lie between 280 and 480 meters a.s.l. Altitude plays a key role in allowing the fruit to ripen slowly, thus creating richer and more nuanced flavors. Critically acclaimed winemaker Marcello Burgio vinifies the grapes in a state-of-the-art facility where he uses both large cask and barriques, the latter for the estate’s Bordeaux-style wines. He makes the estate’s Chianti Classico from 100 percent Sangiovese grapes because he feels that the monovarietal wine is the most authentic expression of Chianti Classico. The winery also runs a boutique bed & breakfast, with private swimming pool, on the grounds of the estate.