Fattoria Il Palagio

The massive property of Fattoria Il Palagio dominates 126 hectares of hills between Volterra and San Gimignano, 95 of which are vineyards. The estate consists of three main vineyard sites: Cellini (growing Sangiovese and some Cabernet Sauvignon), Ginestrelle (growing Vernaccia), and Chioppaia (growing Chardonnay and some Sauvignon Blanc). The soil here is sandy clay, high in calcium deposits.

The property is situated 12 km from the famous medieval city of San Gimignano and 35 km from Siena. Il Palagio was formerly owned by the Marquis Matteucci Ramirez di Montalvo, descendant of a noble Spanish family who found fame and honor at the court of Lorenzo de’ Medici. It is now owned by the Zonin family, purchased in 1979 by Gaetano Zonin, and now run by the seventh generation of Zonin winemakers and viticulturists.

The main structural complex was built in the late 1700s on the foundations of an ancient military settlement from the 1300s. Though Fattoria Il Palagio employs thoroughly modern harvesting and winemaking methods, the property remains full of history and tradition, supported, quite literally, by early Etruscan and Roman settlements. Satisfying Tuscan wines can be challenging to find and offer at value prices but Fattoria Il Palagio exceeds the mark at every tier. They take great pride in the history of the land on which they stand and strive to produce traditional Tuscan wines worthy of such long-lived tradition.

Our Relationship

Gaetano Zonin made a tough call late in his career… he took himself out of a successful family business to make way for his children to own and operate a winery on their own. After a period of transition, Gaetano continues to steer the ship as his two daughters manage the property and run sales. The wines are entry level, but approachable in price and quality.

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