A Night to Remember at Castello della Gherardesca
Last summer, I had the privilege of guiding a group of American wine lovers at Castello della Gherardesca in Castagneto Carducci, one of the region’s most historic and exclusive settings. Together, we opened two bottles of Sassicaia — the legendary 2015 vintage (Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year) and the 2021 vintage (awarded 100 points by Robert Parker).
Tasting them side by side was unforgettable. It was, without question, one of the most exciting tastings I have ever hosted!
Afterward, the evening became even more magical. I was kindly invited to stay for dinner by Conte Gaddo della Gherardesca, joining his guests for a homemade feast prepared by the castle staff. As I sat down at the table, my attention was immediately drawn to the wine bottles: Gaddo, the Conte’s own Bolgheri Rosso.
It is a label that cannot be missed — bold in color, elegant in style, with captivating phrases printed on the front. Each statement reflects the family’s centuries-old legacy while also looking toward the future. The wine itself perfectly embodied the warmth and elegance of the estate. What a night — one that I will always carry with me.
That evening made me realize something: I always begin my private tours with stories about the Della Gherardesca family. Their history is not only rooted in the land — that night, it was alive in the glass as well.
A Noble Lineage Anchored in Tuscany
The Della Gherardesca family is among the oldest noble houses in Italy, with origins reaching back to the medieval Republic of Pisa. Over the centuries, their influence spread across Tuscany, most notably in the County of Donoratico. Their enduring presence is still visible in the castle that crowns the hilltop village of Castagneto Carducci, a symbol of their long connection to this landscape.
Their name even entered literature: one ancestor, Count Ugolino, was immortalized in Dante’s Divine Comedy, a reminder that the family’s story has been entwined with Tuscan culture for centuries.
From Agriculture to Fine Wine
In the 19th and 20th centuries, members of the Della Gherardesca family helped transform agriculture in Bolgheri and the Maremma. They pioneered new farming methods, introduced vineyards, and laid the foundations for what would later become one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions.
Today, the vineyards of Bolgheri thrive on the very soils once reshaped under their vision.
Conte Gaddo: Bringing Heritage Into the Bottle
Carrying this legacy forward, Conte Gaddo della Gherardesca has dedicated himself to turning family history into wine. Working with local producers and regional wine groups, he has built a collection that bridges past and present, combining traditional Tuscan values with a modern sensibility.
His range includes:
- Gaddo— a structured yet approachable Bolgheri Rosso, crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
- Castello di Donoratico— an elegant red that reflects the estate’s noble heritage.
- Sibilla— a lively rosé with freshness and charm.
- Vermentino— a crisp white that captures the coastal character of Bolgheri.
Each wine is more than a label; it’s a story — a translation of land, lineage, and lifestyle into a glass.
Why These Stories Matter
Wine in Bolgheri is never just about the glass in front of you. It is about history, people, and place — centuries of culture distilled into a sip. The Della Gherardesca story is one of many that make this region so unique, but it is also a reminder of how heritage and innovation coexist in every vineyard here.
As the founder of Bolgheri Wine Tours, sharing these stories is at the heart of what I do. Every tour is more than a tasting; it’s a journey into the traditions, families, and landscapes that make Bolgheri one of the world’s most remarkable wine regions.
So when you come to Bolgheri, know that you won’t just be drinking great wine — you’ll be stepping into the living history that makes each bottle possible.
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