Marchesi Gondi Tenuta Bossi is located in wooded hills north-east of Florence, in the Chianti Rùfina DOCG region of Tuscany. The Renaissance villa, which dominates the valley with its monumental park and cellars, was restored and modified in the centuries following its purchase. Next to the villa, a church with three altars was built by Antonino Gondi. The estate produces Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT and Chianti Rùfina and Rùfina Riserva DOCG red wines.
Owner: Since 1592 it has belonged to the Marchesi Gondi, an ancient Florentine family which dates to the thirteenth century.century. The current owners, the 25th generation of wine producers at Tenuta Bossi, are the Marquis Bernardo Gondi and his sister Donatella assisted by Bernardo’s sons Gerardo and Lapo. Bernardo Gondi has strong views on Colorino (See Ian D’Agata: 2014, p.52).
Terroir: The 320ha Tenuta Bossi estate is located in a valley, in the hills 18 km from Florence, between 200 and 400 metres above sea level. Soils are a mixture of clays, marl and limestone sediments. The vines must fight to find nutrients, so the wines are very structured and with notable freshness. It is high and sparse, the washed out top soils just cover the limestone slopes of Monte Giovi (which acts as a shelter) on the right bank of the Sieve, extremes of day to night temperatures and a long growing season that make this terroir so unique. These wines are amongst the most long lived in Italy’ says Ben Robson.
Vineyards: 18 hectares of vineyards: Sangiovese. Colorino from a native clone or biotype reproduced here for over 100 years, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Merlot, Trebbiano Toscano, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. In 2005 there were new 15 newer earlier ripening clones of Sangiovese to set wines with greater elegance and character.
Winemaking: Hand-picked. Fermented in the monumental vaulted cellars located in the basement of the Villa.
White wines
Sassobianco, Bianco dell’Etruria Centrale DOC: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc:
Pink wines
Violana: Rosato dei colli della Toscana Centrale: Sangiovese and other grapes.
Red wines
Mazzafarerrata: Rosso dei colli della Toscana Centrale 2015: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon: 12 months in 20hl Slavonian oak. 13%. Juicy, tangy (Visit 2022).
Rosso dei Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT Ser Amerigo: 2011 Bottled. 40% each Sangiovese and Merlot, 20% Colorino.
Rosso Colli Toscana Centrale IGT, Fiammae: 100% Sangiovese. Barrel fermented.
Chianti Rùfina DOCG Villa Bossi: 2010 Sweet and sour cherry with decent weight (DWWA 2015). | 2011 Stinky nose, seems very volatile and dirty (DWWA 2016). 2015 80% Sangiovese, 10% each Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon. Smooth if short (Visit 2022).
Chianti Rùfina DOCG Marchesi Gondi San Giuliano: 2009 Oenologist Carlo Corino.
Chianti Rufina DOCG Riserva Marchesi Gondi Villa Bossi: 2007 13.5% alc. | 2015 13% alc. Fairly rich fruit, oak integrated with the dark red fruit notes. Well put together, smooth and clear, fresh fruit, no hint of over-ripeness, smooth and enjoyable (November 2021).
Chianti Rùfina DOCG Riserva Pian dei Sorbi: 2016 Bottled. | 2018 L21160 Fruit and oak well put together, smooth tannins and juicy fruit (Oct 2021). I 2019 80% Sangiovese, 20 Colorino. Smooth, tangy (Visit 2022).
Dried grape wines
Vin Santo del Chianti Rùfina DOC, Cardinal de Retz: 2007 100% Trebbiano Toscano: Dense and tangy (Visit 2022).
Other crops: 32ha are olive groves (70% Frantoio, 30% Moraiolo, Pendolino and Leccino). Also cereal crops and woodland.
Agritourism: 7 apartments to rent for 2 to 12 guests.
Contact
Marchesi Gondi s.s.a.
Tenuta Bossi
Via dello Stracchino, 32
50065 Pontassieve (FI), Italy
Website: www.gondi.com
Bibliography
Ian D’Agata, Native wine grapes of Italy (University of California Press, 2014).
Visit October 2022.