july 18, 2024
San Gimignano treasures
Discover Il Colombaio di SantaChiara
Reading Time: 6 mins
For a few years, I’ve known Alessio Logi, the owner of Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara, not just as a colleague, but as a friend I used to meet at international tastings and wine events.
As I work more with an American audience, I’ve often been asked to recommend a Vernaccia di San Gimignano. My first thought immediately went to the wonderful Vernaccia that Alessio Logi once gave me at a wine fair in Zurich, as a kind gesture of exchanging wines that is a common practice among producers and professionals in our field.
I clearly remembered the quality of his wine, so I included it in my Spring / Summer Collection. The appreciation of my clients confirmed I could trust my memory! However, I had never visited the winery, so I decided to dedicate a day to visit and uncover all the hidden secrets of this family-owned winery.
As soon as I arrived, I immediately realized how Alessio’s humbleness had never revealed the immense heritage and beauty that resides within Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara.
What an experience! Alessio took me on a vineyard tour with his Defender, getting a special feeling for the place and the terroir of the area, rich in minerals and fossil given its origin.
Nestled just outside of San Gimignano, Tuscany, the winery Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara stands as a testament to the legacy and passion of the Logi family. Founded in the early 2000s, the winery is the culmination of decades of hard work and dedication, tracing its roots back to Mario Logi, who began working the land as a teenager in the 1950s.
Mario Logi’s journey began with the acquisition of a small property, 3.5 hectares, where he cultivated vineyards alongside his family. In 2002, his youngest son, Alessio, with a background in oenology, spearheaded the transformation of the family farm into a dedicated winery. Joined by his brothers, Giampiero and Stefano, and guided by their father’s extensive knowledge, the Logi family built Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara from the ground up to what we know today, with its nearly 20 hectares of vineyards surrounded by olive groves and woods, embodying their shared vision of producing high-quality Tuscan wine that reflects the terroir and their land.
A hallmark of Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara is its commitment to organic farming. From the very beginning, the Logi family embraced organic practices to ensure the health of their vineyards and the quality of their wine. Their dedication to the environment is evident in their organic certification, achieved through meticulous vineyard management and a refusal to use pesticides. This approach not only safeguards the land but also enhances the natural flavors and characteristics of their wines.
The winery’s primary focus is on Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a historic white wine varietal mentioned in records as far back as the 13th century. This grape variety, unique to Tuscany, allows the Logi family to craft wines that are both expressive and complex, capturing the essence of their terroir. Each vintage is produced with a deep respect for tradition, yet with an eye towards innovation. By employing shorter maceration times, the winery has succeeded in highlighting the fruity and spicy notes of Vernaccia, along with its characteristic almond finish.
Among their acclaimed wines, the Albereta Riserva stands out. This wine, along with others like Campo della Pieve and Selvabianca, has garnered international recognitions and awards, showing extremely interesting aging potentials that makes this white wine truly unique.
At the heart of Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara is the philosophy imparted by Mario Logi: the vines are a reflection of the land, and while their quality can be enhanced in the cellar, it cannot be fundamentally changed. This belief drives every aspect of their winemaking process, from the careful cultivation of the vineyards to the manual selection of grapes during harvest.
Despite their primary focus and renowned expertise in Vernaccia di San Gimignano, during my visit, I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of their red wines selection. From the elegant and refined Sangiovese that truly impressed me, to their latest ambitious project of planting 100% Cabernet Franc, which thrives remarkably well in this region.
Finally, the hospitality at Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara, with the Locanda dei Logi, is truly exceptional, with an impressive attention to detail in every aspect. The rooms are meticulously maintained, offering a blend of comfort and traditional Tuscan charm. The cuisine is very attentive to tradition, avoiding gourmet exaggerations, and highly respectful of the quality of ingredients. Every dish reflects a deep respect for local produce and culinary heritage, providing a truly authentic dining experience. The staff is cohesive and dedicated, making guests feel genuinely welcome and cared for!
Would you like to enjoy Il Colombaio di SantaChiara’s exceptional wines
but can’t make to Italy or find it nearby?
No worries!
Through my Toscana Wine Club,
I’ll be more than happy to ship the finest expressions of
Selvabianca Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, vintage 2023,
straight to your door (nearly) worldwide.