There’s a quiet magic in the hills above Greve in Chianti, where the medieval village of Montefioralle watches over a patchwork of olive trees and vineyards that shimmer under the Tuscan sun. Here, at Podere Bucine, Loreto, Lucia, and Eleonora tend their land with a devotion that feels both ancient and entirely their own.

This is Chianti Classico at its most intimate. A few hectares of old vines, a family’s hands, and wines that carry the pulse of both Tuscany and Sicily.

Where Time Slows

Montefioralle might just be one of the most enchanting corners of Tuscany. A small collection of rustic buildings connected by cobblestone roads perched upon a Medieval hill, surrounded by vines, olive groves, and a blanket of sun. This is a place where time slows, church bells echo, and the aroma of flowers and Mediterranean herbs fill the air. Located within the Greve commune, this area is often known as the beating heart of the Chianti Classico appellation, where Sangiovese thrives on complex soils and sunlit slopes.

The vineyards of Podere Bucine look out toward the village from their hillside perch, a stunning view that tempts anyone to linger with a glass in hand. But Loreto is not one to sit still for long. His passion and curiosity keep the vines, cellar, and future always in motion.

Curious about Sangiovese’s story? Dive deeper here → Sangiovese Part 1 & Part 2

The Story of Podere Bucine

Podere Bucine’s history is stitched together by real Tuscan grit, family devotion, and a love for the land that spans generations. The story begins in 1983, when Luciano Meli and Fausta Castaldi bought the farmhouse and surrounding land where the Castaldi family had worked as farmers for over 60 years. Wheat, olives, and a little wine were the constants of this land, later passed onto their daughters Lucia and Eleonora.

Tragedy struck only a few years later. In 1988, Fausta passed away, leaving not only heartbreak but also a heavy void in the daily life of the farm. Yet Luciano, with the help of his in-laws and his uncle Bruno, carried forward the dream he had shared with his wife.

Lucia, the elder daughter, chose to remain at her father’s side. She inherited both her mother’s spirit and her father’s devotion, and over time became the backbone of the property. Her passion for the countryside, for vines, olive trees, and the rhythm of farm life, is one of the reasons Bucine never lost its pulse.

The next chapter arrived on November 9, 2013 when Loreto, Sicilian by birth, welder by training, and Eleonora’s husband by fate, stepped onto the property. What was meant to be a visit quickly became a calling. He fell in love twice, once with Eleonora and once with the land she came from. He stayed. He learned. He dreamed. And Bucine began to evolve.

Luciano passed away in March 2022, and by the end of that July, Podere Bucine welcomed its first guests, inviting them to taste the family’s wines and olive oil, wander the vineyards, and experience the heart of this small estate.

Today, Bucine is carried by two pillars:
Lucia, the guardian of the land, and
Loreto, the winemaker shaping its future.

And still, in every corner of the property, there is the unmistakable presence of Luciano as his vision and devotion remain the quiet foundation of Podere Bucine. His spirit lives in the olive trees he tended, in the vineyards he protected, and in the wine lovingly dedicated to his memory.

This is Podere Bucine. A family story, carried by Tuscan heritage and Sicilian warmth, and a vineyard farm that continues to grow, evolve, and surprise.

A Sicilian in Chianti

Loreto’s journey north is a story of passion meeting purpose. Born in Palermo to a photographer father and a German mother, he lived there until 2003, when the family moved to Verona. But it was a shared love of Collies that ultimately brought him to Chianti. While visiting a kennel in Empoli to see his puppy Oliver, he was introduced to Eleonora, who also adored dogs.

The connection was instant. After a few calls, a meeting, and undeniable sparks, Loreto and Eleonora became engaged. She moved north to Verona for a time, but in 2016 they returned to Montefioralle to help run the family farm and begin their own chapter. That year, Loreto harvested his first Chianti Classico alongside Luciano, and together they labeled “their” Chianti Classico, the start of a new story.

Before coming to Montefioralle, Loreto was a welder and worked in a heavy metal construction company. Today, he carries forward the work he inherited from Luciano, and with each vintage, he continues to refine and improve his craft.

Today, Loreto manages the vineyards, the cellar, and the wines with a meticulous yet joyful approach. Focused on small production and authentic expression, he lets the vines and the vintage speak for themselves, always working closely with the land. No shortcuts, no grand illusions, just honest farming, patience, and care.

Lucia: Guardian of the Land

Lucia is the heartbeat of Podere Bucine, carrying forward her father’s legacy with quiet strength and unwavering dedication. Every time you visit, she is moving through the vineyards or the cellar, walking the rows, checking the vines, and making sure everything is healthy and thriving.

Her hands-on care, deep knowledge, and love for the land ensure that every aspect of the estate, from the vines to the olive trees, reflects the family’s commitment to tradition and quality. Lucia is all at once once a guardian, a manager, and a custodian of Podere Bucine’s soul, keeping the estate alive, vibrant, and true to its roots.

The Vines That Remember

Among Bucine’s proudest treasures are the 100+ year old Sangiovese vines, intertwined with trees in a method known as vite maritate or “married vines.” This ancient Etruscan technique allows the vines to climb the trees, creating a living sculpture of nature and time.

These vines yield fewer grapes, but what they give is profound, with concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity, and a soulfulness that can only come with age and care. Despite their age, the vines are full of energy and resilience, thriving on the hillside and expressing the essence of the land in every cluster. With careful attention and love from Loreto and Lucia, they produce wines that are elegant, alive, and deeply expressive of Chianti Classico.

L’Obbligatorio: Luciano’s Obligation

Chianti has long been a land of bold reds, but white grapes once played an essential role in the region’s historic blends. Luciano cherished the few rows of Trebbiano and Malvasia on the family estate and refused to let them disappear when regulations shifted Chianti production to only black grapes. He insisted that these bottles of white should always be on the table, declaring it an obligation, or “L’Obbligatorio.” Every year he produced 400 liters for the family or to transform into the famous Tuscan dessert wine, Vin Santo.

After Luciano passed, the family wanted to honor both his love for the land and his devotion to this small tradition. The white wine L’Obbligatorio was born, with a label that captures him climbing through the vineyard rows with his tractor. It is a living memory of the man who insisted that white must always have its place. It is a wine of family, of memory, and of tradition carried forward, a reminder that some passions are too meaningful to ever be forgotten.

The Wines and Oil of Podere Bucine

Each bottle reflects Loreto’s evolving artistry and deep respect for the land, carrying the soul of Montefioralle in every sip.

🍷 Chianti Classico DOCG 2023

A bright and lively 100% Sangiovese, full of red cherries, violets, and spice. Fermented in concrete vats for 12 days with gentle maceration, then aged for 6 months in stainless steel followed by 12 months in second-passage oak barriques.
🍝 Pair with: Pasta, pizza with friends, or a casual dinner
❄️ Best served: Slightly below room temperature to highlight bright fruit and aromatic charm.

🍷 Chianti Classico Riserva 2022

90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. Elegant and structured, with notes of dark plum, wild herbs, and earthiness. Fermented in stainless steel with 20 days of maceration and aged for 20 months in second-passage barriques plus 8 months in stainless steel.
🍝 Pair with: Bistecca Fiorentina, savory ragù, or aged pecorino
⏳ Best enjoyed: Slow, meaningful pours during a special dinner

🍷 L’Obbligatorio Bianco 2024

Crisp and aromatic, made from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes nurtured by centuries-old vines. Lightly fermented and aged in stainless steel, it energizes with freshness and texture.
🍝 Pair with: Seafood, a summer picnic, or a glass with friends
🌞 Best enjoyed: As a memory and story of family tradition in a bottle

🍷 Lorè Rosato 2024

100% Sangiovese. This rosé captures a Tuscan sunset in every sip. Floral and tropical aromas mingle with bright red fruit and a touch of savory freshness, while the palate is crisp, juicy, refreshing, and utterly delightful.
🍝 Pair with: Aperitivo hour, pecorino cheeses, or a lazy afternoon
🌅 Best enjoyed: Anytime you want a refreshing taste of Mediterranean spirit

🌿 The Olive Oil

Podere Bucine’s olive groves produce a small but exquisite extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed from centuries-old trees. Green, peppery, and lively, it is perfect for drizzling over fresh bread, as a finishing sauce, or simply tasting straight from the bottle to experience the land.

🛒 Want to Taste Podere Bucine?

Step 1: View Loreto’s Price List
📄 Download PDF Price List
See all available wines, current vintages, and pricing. Plan your perfect order!

Step 2: Place Your Order
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Fill it out, submit via email to [email protected] - it’s easy and secure. Your bottles are waiting!

Loreto’s wines take about 3-4 weeks to ship. Any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us!!!

Step 3: How It Works
🖼️ Step-by-Step Ordering Guide
Visual walkthrough: from choosing wines today to planning future orders; fun, clear, and easy!

A Bright Future on a Small Hill

This family’s story is still being written, but one thing is clear. Podere Bucine is a name to remember. What they create here is more than wine. It is a bridge between generations, between Sicily and Tuscany, and between tradition and tomorrow.

From the centuries-old Sangiovese vines to the care that Loreto and Lucia pour into every row, the wines are small in number, but their heart and soul are immeasurable.

Keep your eyes on this hilltop gem.