Castello di Querceto: Where History Takes Root and Wine Finds Its Voice

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 2/06/2025

Castello di Querceto: Where History Takes Root and Wine Finds Its Voice

Amid the rolling hills of Greve in Chianti, a picturesque drive through neatly combed vineyards leads to Castello di Querceto, a historic estate where tradition and winemaking have flourished for over a century. Since 1897, the François family has nurtured this medieval property, shaping the identity of Chianti Classico and leaving an indelible mark on Tuscan viticulture. With a legacy built on passion, innovation, and deep respect for the land, Castello di Querceto stands as a testament to both heritage and progress, continuing to produce wines that honor its rich history.

The François Family Legacy

The story of Castello di Querceto is one of tradition, passion, and resilience, shaped by the François family since 1897. Originally from France, the family settled in Tuscany in the 18th century, leaving a legacy that extends beyond winemaking. Among their distinguished ancestors are Giuseppe François, a renowned mathematician, and Alessandro François, a celebrated archaeologist.

Alessandro François and his children Simone and Lia

In the early 20th century, Carlo François, grandfather of the current owner, transformed the estate from a country retreat into a flourishing winery. By 1911, Castello di Querceto had already earned its first international wine award, and in 1924, it became one of the 33 founding members of the Chianti Classico Consortium. Today, the estate remains a benchmark for the appellation, continuously earning praise from international critics. Its historic cellar still houses rare bottles from the early 20th century, a testament to its enduring excellence.

The coat of arms of the Francois family

The estate’s modern renaissance began with Alessandro François and his wife Maria Antonietta , who revitalized Castello di Querceto with a contemporary approach while honoring its deep-rooted traditions. Their passion for winemaking soon inspired their children, Lia and Simone, who embraced the family business from an early age, progressively taking on greater responsibilities. Today, Simone François leads the winery’s operations, while Lia François manages the administrative side. Their shared enthusiasm has also drawn in their spouses, Marco Fizialetti and Stefania Bussotti, alongside their cousin, Paolo Zucconi. Together, this close-knit fourth generation is shaping the future of Castello di Querceto, preserving its heritage while embracing innovation to ensure its legacy thrives for generations to come.

A few treasured bottles of their oldest vintage, 1904, resting in the cellar

The Estate: A Legacy of Tradition and Innovation

Spanning 190 hectares, Castello di Querceto intertwines history, nature, and forward-thinking viticulture. With 65 hectares of vineyards, 10 hectares of olive groves, and sprawling oak and chestnut forests, the estate not only crafts exceptional wines but also serves as a steward of the region’s natural heritage. Once a medieval stronghold along the Via Cassia Imperiale, a vital Roman trade route, the castle has transitioned from a place of defense to a guardian of its land, preserving unspoiled vineyards and centuries-old traditions.

In the 1970s, Alessandro François, grandson of Carlo François, ushered the estate into a new era with his pioneering vision of the Chianti Classico cru. Through meticulous study of the estate’s diverse plots, he identified the distinct characteristics of each vineyard, including the very parcel his grandfather first recognized for its potential. This research laid the foundation for Castello di Querceto’s first single-vineyard wine, a defining achievement that continues to shape the estate’s commitment to innovation, terroir expression, and excellence in winemaking.

Viticulture and Terroir: The Foundations of the Estate's Winemaking

The vineyards of Castello di Querceto extend across both sides of the valley, rising between 400 and 530 meters in elevation, where varying exposures and microclimates shape the character of the estate’s wines. Following classic Chianti Classico training methods, including spurred cordon and Guyot, the vineyard is a carefully curated blend of native and international varieties. Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Colorino form the backbone of the reds, while Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot add complexity and depth. Among the whites, Malvasia del Chianti, Trebbiano Toscano, and Chardonnay reflect the estate’s versatility.

Beneath these vines lies a geological foundation that defines Castello di Querceto’s distinctiveness: multicolored shale soils from the Cretaceous-Eocene period, enriched with manganese, iron, and alkaline-earth metals. This complex terroir imparts structure, minerality, and aging potential to the wines. Sustainability remains a guiding principle, with the estate emphasizing organic fertilizers, minimal intervention viticulture, and hand-harvesting to preserve both vine health and environmental integrity. Certified by the ViVa programme, Castello di Querceto undergoes continuous evaluation to ensure responsible land stewardship, reinforcing its commitment to quality winemaking and the preservation of its historic terroir.

Beyond the vineyards, Castello di Querceto’s winemaking blends tradition with precision. Under the guidance of Alessandro François and Giovanni Cappelli, and assisted by consultants Maurizio Alongi and Giovanni Ascione, the multi-level winery integrates heritage with modern technology. Temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks manage fermentation, while carefully selected French oak barrels from Allier, Tronçais, and Limousin shape the aging process. The estate’s commitment to craftsmanship extends to dedicated spaces for Vin Santo production and extra virgin olive oil. Every element, from soil to cellar, reflects its dedication to preserving the soul of Chianti Classico while embracing innovation for the future.

The Essence of Chianti Classico at Castello di Querceto

The foundation of Castello di Querceto’s winemaking lies in its Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva, crafted from a cuvée of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo alongside other historic native red varieties. These two wines are the cornerstone of the estate’s production, embodying its commitment to tradition and quality.

The portfolio is elevated by two Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines: Il Picchio and La Corte. Introduced as a single-vineyard IGT wine in 1978, La Corte transitioned to Gran Selezione with the 2016 vintage, underscoring the estate’s dedication to the denomination’s highest standards. Il Picchio features 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino, grown in a 4.5-hectare vineyard at 450 meters with clay-rich soils. First produced in 1988, it achieved Gran Selezione status in 2011. La Corte, made from 100% Sangiovese, originates from a 3.4-hectare vineyard planted in the early 1900s, located at 440-470 meters with magnesium-rich, sandy soils. Its inclusion as Gran Selezione marks a pinnacle in the estate’s continuous pursuit of excellence.

No discussion of the estate’s Chianti Classico wines would be complete without mentioning its Vin Santo, crafted from Malvasia del Chianti, Trebbiano Toscano, and San Colombano. Produced according to tradition, the grapes are dried naturally, fermented, and aged in small oak casks for a minimum of three years, resulting in a classic dessert wine that embodies the essence of the region.

Small oak casks of Vin Santo quietly aging in the barrel room

Unique Cuvées: Singular Expressions of Terroir

At Castello di Querceto, select vineyard plots reveal distinct personalities, shaped by the François family's keen intuition and the estate’s ancient polychrome schist soils. These unique expressions gave rise to four standout wines: Cignale, Il Querciolaia, Il Sole di Alessandro, and Querceto Romantic, each capturing a different facet of the land’s character.

Since 1986, Cignale has stood as a Tuscan icon, blending 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot from vineyards at 490–520 meters. Its unmistakable wild boar label marks a structured yet velvety wine that embodies the refinement of IGT Toscana. Il Querciolaia, a 65% Sangiovese and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon blend, hails from a 3.5-hectare vineyard at 390–430 meters, delivering remarkable depth and longevity.

For those who appreciate single-varietal wines, Il Sole di Alessandro showcases Cabernet Sauvignon at its finest, flourishing in a sunlit 2-hectare vineyard at 350 meters. Since its debut in 1998, its silky tannins and layered complexity have made it a captivating addition to the estate’s portfolio. Meanwhile, Querceto Romantic, introduced in 2009, weaves together Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Syrah from high-altitude vineyards, crafting a blend as alluring as its name.

The estate’s history holds a few rare gems, including Il Cento, a 1997 release commemorating Castello di Querceto’s centenary. With just a handful of bottles still aging in the cellar, it remains a testament to the estate’s dedication to honoring its past while pushing the boundaries of Tuscan winemaking.