Il Pergola 2021, Toscana IGT Bianco

Overview

Il Pergola 2021 is a Toscana IGT Bianco made from 100% Grechetto, with about 20% of the grapes affected by noble rot (botrytis), giving the wine a unique aromatic depth. The vineyards grow on clay soils with limestone and stones, enhancing freshness and minerality. With only 1,000 bottles produced, this white wine represents a rare and artisanal expression, balancing tradition with a refined and precise winemaking approach.

History of the wine

Il Pergola was created to showcase Grechetto in an elegant and structured white capable of long aging. The manual harvest allows for careful grape selection, while the inclusion of botrytized clusters adds an extraordinary layer of complexity. The 2021 vintage offered excellent quality, and thanks to extended skin contact and patient aging, the result is a white wine of great personality, depth, and longevity.

Vineyard philosophy

The vineyards are cultivated with respect for natural cycles and manual care, ensuring balanced growth and full ripeness. The clay-limestone soils with stony components help maintain freshness and elegance. Special attention is paid to the grapes affected by noble rot, selected with precision during harvest. This approach reflects a philosophy based on authenticity and the desire to produce a Grechetto that truly mirrors its terroir.

Vinification and aging

Il Pergola 2021 undergoes 30 days of skin contact, a method that enriches the wine with structure, aromatics, and texture. The aging is divided into 12 months in wood, which provides roundness; 6 months in stainless steel, preserving freshness; and 18 months in bottle for balance and integration. Minimal clarification and filtration are used, and SO₂ is added in controlled quantities.

Tasting notes and pairings

Color: deep golden yellow with amber highlights.
Nose: layered and complex, with aromas of ripe fruit, honey, candied citrus, and hints of dried flowers and spices.
Palate: structured and persistent, balanced by freshness, minerality, and the gentle sweetness of botrytis. Long and harmonious finish.
Perfect with aged cheeses, rich fish dishes, white meats, or spicy cuisine. Excellent also as a meditation wine. Serve at 12–14 °C.

Technical sheet

• Appellation: Toscana IGT Bianco

• Grapes: 100% Grechetto (20% botrytis)

• Vintage: 2021

• Harvest: manual

• Soil: clay with limestone and stones

• Vinification: 30 days skin contact

• Aging: 12 months in wood, 6 months in steel, 18 months in bottle

• Production: 1,000 bottles

• SO₂: controlled

• Serving temperature: 12–14 °C

• Cellaring potential: 8–10 years

Giacomo Baraldo – Vigneron in San Casciano dei Bagni

History

The passion of Giacomo Baraldo for wine was born during his eighteenth birthday, when two bottles opened by his father revealed the evocative power of aromas and flavors. From that moment, his vocation became study, research, and experimentation. After high school, he pursued a degree in Viticulture and Enology, and in 2009, together with his father, planted the first vines of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon in the Bossolo vineyard, a 0.6-hectare plot at 515 meters above sea level. His training expanded with international experiences in Bordeaux, Patagonia, New Zealand, and especially Burgundy, at the prestigious Domaine de Montille. Returning to Tuscany in 2016, Giacomo began producing wines that reflect the soul of the territory, combining tradition and innovation.

Philosophy in the vineyard

The management of Giacomo Baraldo’s vineyards is based on respect for the environment and the enhancement of soils. All parcels are covered with spontaneous grassing, essential to preserve soil structure and fertility. Work is carried out almost entirely by hand, following an artisanal philosophy that prioritizes quality over quantity. Treatments are limited to copper and sulfur, applied carefully according to seasonal trends and weather conditions. In June 2017, the entire Bossolo vineyard was replanted with pure Sangiovese, while on the western slopes of Monte Cetona, the “l’Affacciatoio” vineyard was planted with Grechetto and Chardonnay. Complementing this mosaic are the historic plots of Vigna Pozzone and Vigna Caccialupi, a testament to viticulture seeking balance and sustainability.

Approach in the cellar

The winery of Giacomo Baraldo represents the meeting point between his international experiences and respect for local peculiarities. Harvesting is always manual, with yields limited to 1–1.3 kg per vine, ensuring grapes of great aromatic concentration. Winemaking is conducted with careful use of technology, avoiding forced interventions and favoring spontaneous fermentations or selected yeasts adapted to each variety. Aging takes place in steel, wood, or cement depending on the style, with the goal of enhancing freshness and expressive finesse. Every choice in the cellar reflects the desire to preserve varietal purity and territorial identity, particularly the unmistakable character of Sangiovese.

A project between Tuscany and New Zealand

Alongside his Tuscan production, Baraldo also carries out a fascinating project in New Zealand, where he vinifies Pinot Noir in Waipara Valley. This international experience enriches his path, confirming an open-minded vision. However, his roots remain in San Casciano dei Bagni, where wines express the depth of the soils and the vocation of the vineyards. Today, the estate represents a dynamic reality, able to combine scientific rigor with artisanal sensitivity, creating wines that stand out for elegance, territorial expression, and aging potential.