Altezza in San Gimignano
Boutique Winery
The History
Altezza Boutique Winery in San Gimignano
In the heart of Tuscany, in San Gimignano—the medieval city of a hundred towers—stands Cantina Altezza.
Perched on a hill that seems to touch the sky, it embodies the very essence of its name: a privileged vantage point from which the gaze drifts across the majestic towers of the city.
Here, where the beauty of nature intertwines with tradition, wine is not just a product but a story of family, passion, and terroir.
Cantina Altezza “Bellaciao”: The Name of a Legacy
The name Altezza “Bellaciao” is not just a tribute to freedom but a testament to the trust passed down through generations.
Every bottle of wine holds the promise of preserving the values that the grandparents cherished, working the land with passion and respecting nature’s rhythm.
A Perfect Microclimate for Quality
At an altitude of nearly 400 meters, with ideal exposure and a constant breeze, this hill provides the perfect setting for viticulture.
Warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to ripen slowly, enhancing their aromas and preserving their freshness. This unique combination of factors gives Cantina Altezza wines an elegance, balance, and longevity that set them apart.
The Discovery of the Perfect Rock
While excavating the hill for the construction of the winery, workers uncovered an ancient, compact soil rich in limestone rocks.
These very rocks, which had supported the vines for centuries, proved to be perfect for the foundations of the barrel cellar and aging rooms.
Rather than imposing on nature, the winery was harmoniously integrated into it, utilizing the rock to create a naturally stable environment—ideal for the refinement of wines.
A Journey into the Heart of Wine
Visiting Cantina Altezza means embarking on a journey into the depths of the terroir and the transformation of wine.
A Place that Preserves Time
Cantina Altezza is not just a building; it is a work of art carved into the rock, a testament to the balance between man and nature.
Every decision—from the use of limestone rock to the depths excavated to protect the wine—was guided by respect for the terroir and the pursuit of absolute quality.
Here, time works in silence, transforming grapes into liquid emotions, ready to tell the world the story of a unique land, the passion of a family, and the dream of creating wines that linger in the heart.
- The Entrance: The Realm of Aging
As soon as you step inside, the scent of wood welcomes visitors. Here, among barriques and 15hl barrels, the Supertuscans—the winery’s great red wines—rest. The oak, with its aromatic nuances, imparts depth and character to the wine. - The Concrete Vats: The Heart of Selection
Continuing onward, you reach the hall of 100hl and 50hl concrete vats, dedicated to small batches from elite vineyards. Concrete, a natural and porous material, allows for ideal micro-oxygenation, enabling the wines to evolve with elegance, free from external interference. - The Sanctuary of Rest: The Large Underground Formats
Descending even deeper, you enter the most silent area of the winery. Here, in total darkness and absolute tranquility, the large 210hl formats rest. Thanks to perfect humidity, constant temperature, and the absence of light, the aging process occurs slowly and harmoniously, allowing the wines to reach their full potential.
History of the Land
The hill on which Cantina Altezza stands is a gift from nature. The soil, a mix of marine sands, clay, and limestone rocks, is the legacy of an ancient seabed that once covered this land. This unique mineral composition gives the wines extraordinary freshness, structure, and elegance.
The winery’s oak barrels are located in the lowest part of the structure, where they absorb moisture from the ground, nourished by ancient underground waters. The fine wood plays a fundamental role in the aging process, bestowing the wines with roundness and elegance.
- Vernaccia di San Gimignano: The White Wine of History
Among all wines, Vernaccia di San Gimignano holds a special place. The first Italian white wine to receive DOCG status, this varietal thrives in sandy, fossil-rich soils, which provide the perfect habitat. The result is a wine with rare sapidity and finesse, featuring aromas of citrus, white flowers, and an unmistakable mineral touch. - Sangiovese: The Soul of Chianti and Supertuscans
A symbol of Tuscan tradition, Sangiovese flourishes in the clayey and calcareous soils of the winery, endowing it with velvety tannins and great structure. These grapes produce both an elegant and harmonious Chianti and bold, expressive Supertuscans, where Sangiovese blends with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to create intense and refined wines. - Supertuscans: Power and Elegance
In vineyards planted on clay-sandy soils, Cantina Altezza also cultivates grapes destined for its Supertuscans. These wines, with their remarkable structure and complexity, embody the meeting of Tuscan tradition and an international perspective. The minerals in the soil enrich the wine with deep notes of red fruit, spices, and tobacco, making it sophisticated and enveloping.