PRODOTTI
THE VALLEY OF EXCELLENT
WINES
This line of wines takes its name from the Virginio Valley in the municipality of Montespertoli, home to the Cantina Sociale Colli Fiorentini wine cooperative. The valley, crossed by the stream of the same name, is an ideal location for producing wine. Over the years, the waters of the Virginio have contributed to the lushness
of this area of Tuscany. Thanks to expert hands and to the fertility of the soil, excellent wines are produced, whose quality is recognised around the world.
Cypresses, vineyards, and olive groves envelop us, setting our cooperative like a gem in an enchanted region in the centre of Tuscany.
THE COAT OF ARMS
The Valvirginio coat of arms was inspired by the refined art of tin-glazed polychrome terra cotta, invented by Luca della Robbia at the beginning of the fifteenth century, when he opened his lucrative workshop. The citrus fruits in the garland are typical Renaissance decorations that reached their highest artistic expression in Tuscany. It is interesting to note that in the Limonaia (lemon house) in the Boboli Gardens, some of the oldest varieties of these fruits are grown, many of which were developed by the Medici family’s gardeners.
PLACES TO STOP
During his pilgrimage to Rome between 990 and 994, Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury left us the oldest reliable account of the Via Francigena, travelled by many pilgrims and merchants in the Middle Ages.
The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, in Chianni, in the municipality of Gambassi Terme, right in the heart of Tuscany, is indicated as the twentieth stop (mansio) on the return voyage to England. The church, one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Tuscany, is indeed located along the old route of the Via Francigena. The building where Sigeric stopped was, however, constructed before the one built in its place in the twelfth century.
THE BISHOP OF VOLTERRA
In this stopping place, where body and soul found rest after hours of walking, the bishops of Volterra had the present building erected to display their power in the region. It is said that one bishop in particular sought refuge in this silent place, far from the noise and confusion of the city. Here he had his own room and spent moments in meditation before returning to the frenetic life of a bishop. Pilgrims who stop at this haven of peace can still sleep in his room.
This line of wines, named Rifugio del Vescovo, is intended to create convivial, relaxed moments, moments to restore oneself and be inspired.
MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING
THAT LASTS THROUGH TIME
This wine is the winemaker’s homage to his wife, Margherita (daisy), a strong, understanding woman who loved him dearly and supported him throughout difficult periods of his life.
Convinced that his success was due to her alone, he decided to express his gratitude with this wine, commissioning a Swiss designer to create a label in the name of their enduring love and beautiful story.
THE STORY OF THE LABEL:
a taste of a bit of history …
The Swiss designer took his inspiration from the portrait of the Bella Simonetta, by the famous Italian painter Botticelli. Simonetta Cattaneo was the daughter of a noble Genoese family. She was married very young to Marco Vespucci, cousin of the explorer Amerigo, who was a member of a family of wealthy bankers with whom the Florentine Medici family wished to have a close relationship. Simonetta Vespucci was exquisite and elegant: her contemporaries judged her to be the must beautiful woman alive, a true incarnation of Venus.