Castello di Selvole
Winery and Holiday Apartments
Selvole is a winery immersed in the hills of Chianti Classico.
We are 15 minutes from Siena, surrounded by forests, vines and olive trees and kilometres of white country roads which are protected by the local authorities for their historical value. In fact the region is known for the annual Eroica event in Autumn, a bicycle race as it used to be done in the past.
The gentle landscapes and surrounding nature not only pleases the eye but also regenerates the spirit, offering peace away from the tensions of the city.
Why Selvole?
The location offers the opportunity to get to know our excellent wines and at the same time have a relaxed holiday in the heart of Tuscany, a region rich in culture, art and history, the home of Dante and the Italian language.
It is an ideal point for hosting events and weddings, and at the same time discover nearby spots such as Florence, San Gimignano, Volterra and Perugia. This means you can come home in time for a plunge in the swimming pool to taste a glass of our good wine.
Guests who come and stay with us know they can enjoy their stay in a rustic and characteristic environment, with a charm quite different from a city break in a hotel.
Winery
One of the oldest wineries of the area, Selvole produces approximately 200,000 bottles of wine annually. The majority of the vineyards are located in the small valley between Selvole and Brolio where the Chianti Classico was born 300 years ago.
Of the 40 hectares of vineyard that we cultivate, half was newly planted at a very high density with Sangiovese and Canaiolo, as well as Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Our Products
The main product of the winery is obtained with a very low yield per hectare, a rigorous choice of grapes, vinification at controlled temperature to preserve the maximum of aroma and is aged in French barriques for about seven to nine months. The Chianti Classico DOCG is an intense wine, smooth and round, well structured and long in the mouth. After a period of time in barrique the wine is also aged in bottle for at least three months to give it a further roundness and smoothness. It goes well with meats and cheeses of all kinds, and should be opened about an hour before serving.
Our Full Range
A Bit Of History
During the Medieval and part of the Renaissance period, Florence and Siena were
constantly at war. The conflict ended in 1599 when Siena was finally defeated and ceased
to exist as an independent state.
The border between Florence and Siena was the Arbia River, flowing along the hills of Selvole.
Dante Alighieri described how the river was painted "red with blood" at the battle of
Monteperti in 1260. Selvole was therefore the last defense of Siena.
In 1200 about 90 families lived in the castle, around 200 people. Selvole was eventually assigned to Malavolti, a noble family, who owned it until 1969. Most of the former family members are buried in the crypt of St. Martin's church inside the property.
Who We Are
Guido Busetto & Nobuko Hashimoto
This husband and wife team realised a long lasting dream with the purchase of Selvole. Their passion for good wine dates back to the time they lived in France where Guido was correspondent for an Italian economic newspaper Il Sole 24. There, they squeezed time to take courses at the Institute of Oenology at the University of Bordeaux. So, it was after 25 years of active journalism, and a fairly good knowledge of wine-making that they bought Selvole and decided to run it directly.
Gianni Menotti
Gianni who won the prestigious award of best Italian Oenologist, came to us in 2009, makes a valuable addition to our team. He supervises the vineyards, and takes part in major technical decisions.
Our Services
Wine Tour & Tasting
We would love to show you around! Please contact us if you are interested in getting to know the wines of Castello di Selvole a bit better.
Events
Let us organise your special day! Weddings, communions, vow renewals, our location allows for a variety of events to be organised.
Swimming Pool & Tennis Courts
With our beautiful swimming pool overlooking the Tuscan countryside,
and our tennis court
there is no lack of opportunity for relaxing outdoors.
Apartments
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The group of farmhouses that makes up the holliday complex of Selvole are separated in three blocks of stone houses connected with a passageway in terracotto around the swimming pool. The buildings are named after flowers: Geranium, Margherita (daisy) and Ginestra (broom). No one apartment is the same, and each has an independent entrance.
Are you looking for a cozy apartment for two, four or six people?
We have what you are looking for!
Weddings
Getting married at Selvole will be an unforgettable experience, in contact with nature, the rural life and the history of Tuscany.
You could marry in our St. Martin's church, a charming 12th century chapel with affresco behind the main altar.
After the ceremony, you could host your wedding party with a caterer
in the big hall of the agriturismo with its terrace overlooking
the panoramic Chianti hills ,or even around the swimming pool or the small square of the Margherita block of apartments.
Where We Are
INPUT GPS:
Agriturismo Castello Selvole