Villa a Sesta: Chianti Heritage with Modern Precision

History of the Winery

Villa a Sesta is situated in the small hamlet from which it takes its name, nestled in a pocket of the Chianti Classico zone between Siena and Arezzo. The property was purchased in 1989 by Riccardo Tattoni, who began restoring and expanding the estate with a clear focus: build a technically capable winery that respects the region’s native varieties, particularly Sangiovese.

Under Tattoni’s ownership, the estate has grown to encompass roughly 1,100 hectares. Of that, 55 are under vine, and 6,000 olive trees are also cultivated across the rolling hills of the property. The combination of elevation, slope, and diverse soil types has allowed Villa a Sesta to isolate vineyard blocks with distinct profiles and potential.

Winemaker

The winemaking at Villa a Sesta is overseen by Roberto Ciani, who serves as Technical Director. His role spans from vineyard management through to cellar operations, and he brings a focused, methodical approach to both. Since 2011, enologist Marco Mazzarrini has provided additional expertise, drawing on experience in Bolgheri and Alto Adige to guide the estate’s stylistic evolution. Together, they’ve moved toward a fresher, more transparent expression of Sangiovese, with selective use of oak and moderate extraction.

The Property

The estate’s vineyards sit at around 450 meters elevation, mostly south and southeast-facing, with a combination of galestro, clay, silt, and mineral-rich sandy soils. Vines are planted at a density of 4,500 to 5,000 per hectare, with modest yields focused on concentration over volume. Fermentations take place in truncated conical vats at a controlled temperature of 27°C, followed by extended macerations. Barrel aging is handled with care, using both barrique and large-format oak depending on the cuvée.

Highlights From the Tasting

2021 Sorleone Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG
Grape: 100% Sangiovese

A blend of grapes sourced from three vineyard parcels—Cava, Casanova, and Caggio—each with distinct soil types. The wine shows a layered aromatic profile, beginning with floral tones and moving into cherry, dried fruit, and warm spice. The palate is structured yet accessible, with medium acidity and well-integrated tannins. Aged 30 months in oak (half in new barriques), followed by a year in bottle, the wine maintains clarity and lift without pushing weight.
Score: 90 points

2022 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
Grapes: 92% Sangiovese, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

This Riserva is built around fruit from three vineyards with differing soil compositions, contributing to a wine of considerable depth. Aromas lean into morello cherry, violet, and Mediterranean spice, with accents of dark chocolate and tobacco. The Cabernet component adds some breadth on the mid-palate without dominating. Tannins are firm but polished, and the 30-month aging in 13-hectoliter barrels supports a broad, persistent finish.
Score: 92 points

2019 VAS IGT Toscana Rosso
Grape: 100% Merlot

Sourced from the Casanova vineyard, with additional fruit from Cava, Caggio, and the estate’s main parcel, this Merlot is dark-fruited and spice-laden. The aromatics lean into balsamic and savory notes—pepper, cocoa, and licorice—while the palate is dense without being heavy. Tannins are assertive but ripe, and the oak use (12 months in barriques, 12 in large barrels) is well-managed. Built for aging, but already expressive.
Score: 92 points

Conclusion

Villa a Sesta is producing wines that reflect both the traditional structure of Chianti Classico and the precision of modern enology. The estate’s elevation, varied soils, and disciplined vineyard management give its wines a clear sense of place. Under the direction of Roberto Ciani and Marco Mazzarrini, there’s a noticeable emphasis on freshness and definition, particularly in the Sangiovese-based bottlings. These are wines that reward attention and offer solid aging potential without unnecessary flash.