A Journey Back to the Roots: Pier Luigi Tolaini and his Tuscan Dream

Located in the prestigious Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Tolaini Estate covers approximately 50 hectares, producing wines that reflect the rich heritage and unique terroir of the area. The estate's location in Castelnuovo Berardenga, often compared to the Pauillac of Chianti for its powerful, intense, and elegant wines, distinguishes it within the region.

Pier Luigi Tolaini: A Visionary Journey

The history of Tolaini Estate is deeply connected to the journey of its founder, Pier Luigi Tolaini. A successful entrepreneur in Canada's transportation and logistics sector, Pier Luigi returned to his Tuscan roots in 1998 after a four-year search for the perfect vineyard.

He acquired the Montebello and San Giovanni properties, attracted by their ideal combination of climate, soil, and exposure.

Pier Luigi's passion for excellence led to the founding of the winery in 2000, with the first bottles released two years later. Under his guidance, Tolaini has become a prominent player of Supertuscan wine, known for producing high-quality wines that garner acclaim from experts worldwide.

The transition from international varieties to focus on Sangiovese

Initially, Pier Luigi attracted enologist Michel Rolland, to consult with Tolaini Estate. Together they have formed a team of four young exceptional enologists / agronomists with experience in varied wine regions as well as in other countries.

Nowadays Luca D'Attoma is the consulting oenologist and his hand is apparent starting with the 2017 vintage of Tolaini.

Luca is responsible for projects with wineries such as Duemani, Tua Rita, Poggio ao Tesoro, among others.

Tolaini Estate's commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of its winemaking process. The grapes are meticulously selected using an optical sorting machine to ensure only the finest fruit is used. The estate employs a combination of stainless steel tanks and open-top fermenters made of French Allier oak, allowing for precise control over fermentation and enhancing the wines' complexity.

The vinification process includes cold soaking, natural fermentation with selected yeast strains, and manual punch-downs to extract the best flavors without unwanted bitterness. The estate prefers small French oak barrels for aging, achieving a balance between structure and elegance in the final wines.

A Celebration of Varietals

While Sangiovese remains a cornerstone, Tolaini also embraces Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The estate's top wines, like the Picconero—a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc—have received numerous awards and high ratings. The red wines Valdisanti and Al Passo further demonstrate Tolaini's versatility and expertise.

A Family Legacy Continues

Founded by Pier Luigi Tolaini, the estate has been crafting exceptional Tuscan wines for over two decades. Today, his daughter, Lia Tolaini Banville, carries the torch, working alongside a talented team including head oenologist Francesco Rosi and esteemed consultant Luca D’Attoma.

With an annual production of approximately 220,000 bottles, Tolaini remains committed to producing wines of the highest quality. Together with her children, Alex, Ali, and Matteo, Lia is dedicated to preserving the estate’s rich heritage while embracing innovation

Sustainable Practices

Ruggero Mazzilli, Tolaini's consulting agronomist, oversees the organic conversion of the vineyards and the development of sustainable environmental practices.

Currently, Tolaini Estate is both certified organic and carbon neutral. The estate's dedication to organic and sustainable farming helps preserve the land's biodiversity and supports the production of wines that are both authentic and exceptional.

A Promising Future

As Tolaini Estate continues to grow, its dedication to producing wines of great character remains unwavering. With a strong foundation built on tradition, innovation, and passion, Tolaini is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of fine wine, celebrating the unique terroir of Tuscany's Chianti Classico region.