Have you ever dreamt of spending a week at a villa in Tuscany? My family did. And what began as a dream turned into a reality that was exactly what it sounds like: Heavenly. But the story doesn’t end there, because when you add in world class wine from the Rocca delle Macie Vineyard, and authentic Italian cuisine from a private Tuscan Chef? You’ll feel like you just stepped into an Italian movie directed by Italo Zingarelli. Mr. Zingarelli also made his own Tuscan dreams come true when he created the Rocca delle Macie Vineyard and Estate- the home to an amazing Chianti Classico in Italy. Keep reading to learn more about Rocca delle Macie wines, our private chef in Tuscany, and how you can make your own dream of staying at an Italian Villa in Tuscany come true.
This is a story of family, wine, dreams coming true, and the slow travel moments around a table that connect us. It is also a sonnet that sings of finding a place that feels like home, no matter how far you are from your favorite pillow. This place? Is Tuscany. With its rolling hills, olive trees and vineyards as far as the eye can see, it’s never surprising to me when people dream of being in Tuscany. I’m one of them! What is truly special, is when someone takes that dream, and acts on it.
And that is where our story begins….
A Special Delivery from Rocca delle Macie
When I arrived at our Italian Villa in Tuscany with my parents for the week, there were 2 packages from Rocca delle Macie Winery waiting for me. I was so excited to open them, and more importantly? Enjoy the wine. The shipment to the villa ensured that we would have the best Chianti Classico in Italy instead of relying on the closest grocery stores.
Order your wine ahead of time
One of the most beautiful parts of being at an Italian villa in Tuscany, is that you are in the middle of the countryside! There is something magical about living amongst the Tuscan Hills, far away from the big cities of Italy. No crowds, no loud noises. Just majestic views, and the peaceful sounds of nature.
This of course, will make shopping for the essentials more of an event instead of a quick trip, so I do recommend that you help yourself out by shipping wine directly to your villa ahead of time. While you will still need to head to the store for some of the freshest bread, cheese and veggies that have ever touched your lips, shipping the wine to your villa ahead of time will ensure that you have the best Chianti Classico in Tuscany, instead of taking your chances to see what the closest store has in stock.
Julie’s Tips: There was a small store about a 15 minute walk from the villa, and a larger grocery store that was about 15 minutes away by car. However, the roads were interesting to navigate. They were quite windy and not very wide. I do recommend renting a car, but keep this in mind, as the size of the car you rent really does matter. I’m grateful to my sister’s husband for doing the driving, and next time, I plan on renting a car as well. That will be the first time I rent a car in Europe, and I think I’m finally ready for it!
Rocca delle Macie: The Best Chianti Classico in Italy
When I opened up the package, I found three different varietals from Rocca delle Macie, a winery in Castellina in Chianti, known for their Chianti Classico in Italy. In the box, there were 3 different styles of wine. A 2024 Chianti Classico, a 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva, and a Tenuta Campomaccione Vermentino white wine. Three delightful varietals that I could not wait to try.
I opened up the second package to find a book celebrating 50 years of the Rocca delle Macie estate and Vineyard, and the family behind it. It was called “Clay, Stone, Air, Roots: Of Life, Cinema, and Chianti Classico. An Incredible Story.” And that it is. I was intrigued to learn more about the Rocca delle Macie winery, because I believe that wine is enjoyed on a deeper level when you learn more about its history.
Italo Zingarelli: Filmmaker, Winemaker & Visionary
Born in 1930, Italo Zingarelli wore many hats before he fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a winery and estate in the heart of Tuscany. He was a boxer, then an extra and stuntman in films before becoming a celebrated film maker- known mostly for his 1970 spaghetti western “They Call me Trinity.”
And then in 1973, he became a winemaker when he purchased La Macie Estate that he would later call Rocca delle Macie. It was a case of love at first sight, although it seems the dream and the passion for wine was always there. He was just waiting for the perfect moment, and an extraordinary place to tie it all together.
I myself was looking for a perfect moment as well. And so I decided the Rocca delle Macie wine should be opened at our family dinner with our private Italian chef. This felt fitting, as Rocca delle Macie was always a family affair, and the Zingarelli family continues to build on what Italo and his wife Laura started over 50 years ago. I can only imagine that they had many a meal with their Chianti Classico wine as a staple on their table, and we would do the same.
Now, even though I was set on waiting to drink the wine, I must admit that my curiosity and excitement got the best of me. I decided that it was a tragedy to let this wine be ignored! And so I opened up a bottle of the 2024 Chianti Classico while we played a family game at the dining room table.
Multi-Generational Family Fun at our Italian Villa in Tuscany
Our family at the villa was multi-generational, with ages ranging from 11 to the most youthful 73 year olds you’ve ever met. Therefore, my sister brought a game that was appropriate for all ages. It was an absolute hit! My nieces asked to play it almost every day. Click here to purchase the game for your next get-together.
The Rocca delle Macie Wine Tasting begins
As I poured the 2024 Chianti Classico from Rocca delle Macie, I couldn’t help but feel so incredibly lucky to have this experience with my family. It started off as a supposed funny comment that my parents would add to a conversation…”When we rent an Italian villa in Tuscany.” They love Italy so much! I always knew that they weren’t kidding. And as time went on, it became clearer that this wasn’t just a side comment- this was a dream.
I’m just so proud of my family for taking a “maybe someday” and making it our beautiful reality. We all had spent time in Italy separately, and loved this country very much. Plus, our family has roots in Italy! So to have this time as a family, and in this place, was nothing short of priceless.
The 2024 Chianti Classico from Rocca delle Macie
Speaking of beautiful realities, It was time to try the 2024 Chianti Classico! We raised our glasses, cheersed to our week together in Tuscany, and then I brought the glass to my lips for the long awaited sip. The WINE! Wow. I loved it!
As I was reading the story of Rocca delle Macie and Famiglia Zingarelli, I was struck by the way that Italo Zingarelli wanted to produce a Chianti Classico that was easy to drink and “the way he liked it.” He was clearly a passionate man who understood the importance of details, and the simple pleasures that are the true luxuries of life. Great wine, food, quality ingredients, a gorgeous and peaceful landscape, and being surrounded by those you love.
My Personal Favorite Chianti Classico in Italy
The 2024 Chianti Classico from Rocca delle Macie was my personal favorite. Very smooth and easy to drink with young fruits and a lovely tartness that made me want to enjoy this wine not only by itself, but with my meal as well. I look forward to finding this wine when I’m home in Chicago!
The color of the wine was a bright ruby red, and according the tasting notes, the bouquet was fruity with a hint of spice coming from the wood. This Chianti Classico matures in French oak barrels for 6-10 months, and then further refines in the bottle for at least 30 days.
Wine is emotional
I do believe that Sergio Zingarelli, Italo’s son, was right on the money when he said that “these wines were exactly what Dad would have wanted to drink at meal time with his family and his dearest friends.” Every sip was enjoyable yet complex. It didn’t leave me wanting- but instead my tastebuds stayed curious and satisfied with every sip. And as I looked over at my Mom and Dad I couldn’t help but feel so grateful to be enjoying this wine by their side.
After the game, I decided to go outside to take in the view while enjoying such a special wine. For me, great wine becomes even more exceptional in the presence of a beautiful view and all of the love that was already surrounding me. Wine is emotional, after all. And to think, it was only our first night in Tuscany.
What makes a Chianti Classico in Italy?
Chianti Classico in Italy is technically different, and superior to Chianti in Italy. There are strict rules that make a wine a Chianti Classico. First off, the grapes must be grown in the Chianti Region of Italy, which is in the heart of Tuscany. Also, a Chianti Classico wine must be made from at least 80% of the Sangiovese grape grown in the Chianti Classico Region in Italy.
So how do you know if it’s really a Chianti Classico? I’ll make things really easy for you. Look for a rooster on the neck of the wine bottle. This is the official, and historic symbol of Chianti Classico. For the rest of the rules of Chianti Classico, I’ll let you learn for yourself when you take your own winery tour of the Rocca delle Macie estate.
An Italian Villa in Tuscany: Our home for a week
The next day, I woke up early and had my coffee outside on the terrace that had a stunning panoramic view of the Tuscan countryside. This villa was absolutely perfect. And similar to Rocca delle Macie, Our villa was a lovely marriage of details that celebrated its long history while also folding in a modern day spirit as well.
We had all of the comforts of home, including beautiful and updated bathrooms, and air conditioning in every bedroom. This Italian Villa in Tuscany was perfect for our family of 9. There were 7 bedrooms, and 6 bathrooms, including one next to the pool, laundry, 3 floors, and so many rooms! There was always a place to enjoy each others company, or even to find a place for some quiet time.
Curious about the villa? Book it here from $1,562 a night
A Host that will enhance your stay
The host of our Italian Villa in Tuscany was also incredible. Tommaso lived right next door and was the most welcoming host I have ever encountered. The landscape of the villa was absolutely stunning, and when I saw him working on the grounds that morning it was very clear how much he cared for this estate. Later on that week, he would also be present for our cooking class with Chef Donato to help as a translator. We were so grateful for everything Tommaso did to make our stay feel so effortless.
The Pool
My day transitioned quite quickly from breakfast to the pool. I was so excited for a relaxing day filled with pool time and sunshine. It didn’t take long for my parents, sisters, their husbands and my two nieces to all be in the pool. To our delight, the pool area was quite spacious and comfortable with plenty of chairs and shade for all. What a joyful day it was!
At lunch, I put the Tenuta Campomaccione Vermentino wines in the refrigerator. I was already getting ready for our dinner tonight with Chef Donato. Tenuta Campomaccione is one of Rocca delle Macie’s wine estates- this one located in the Morellino di Scansano area of Tuscany.
The Kitchen: Our Italian Villa in Tuscany
Chef Donato was highly recommended by both Tommaso, and many past guests who left rave reviews. When Chef arrived, I could tell that he knew his way around this kitchen, and what a beautiful kitchen it was! The cabinets were a lovely shade of a light blue-green, and even the refrigerator was encased in cabinetry that was painted in the same colors. Yet this time, with a simple and elegant design.
The rest of the kitchen was made of a dark wood -with a beautiful fire pit at the front of the room. The kitchen table was a stunning work of art and it made me wonder how many years ago it had been built, and how many stories it could tell.
As we awaited our first course, I gathered wine glasses for the family along with the Tenuta Campomaccione Vermentino, and so another round of games in the dining room began. I went around the table pouring the Vermentino for the adults, and we all raised our glasses before taking our first sips.
Wine Tasting: One of my Favorite activities when in Italy
Wine tasting is one of my favorite things to do, and I love hearing what the people around me are tasting, and the aromas they are getting as well. This is an activity that my parents and I partake in quite often at their home, so it was fun to experience it with the rest of the family.
When I am tasting wine, I always ask the expert in the room what they taste to help me better learn my own tastebuds and the words to explain what I’m tasting. I will also do what I did that day. I look up the tasting notes on the website.
The Tenuta Campomaccione Vermentino White Wine
The Tenuta Campomaccione Vermentino was very refreshing and mellow with an excellent acidity. As a lover of a Sauvignon Blanc, this Vermentino fit a similar profile, but this varietal was rounder and far more balanced.
And for this Tenuta Campomaccione Vermentino, the bouquet was floral and fruity with aromas of acacia, broom and herbal notes. The taste was a dry white wine that was very fresh and smooth with a slightly mineral aftertaste.
The First Course
I should also mention that while I was gathering wine glasses, Donato let me try the first course! So when he brought out the platters I was quite excited for the dinner to begin.
The first platter, was a simple bruschetta that was not only perfectly balanced, but it was my favorite of all the appetizers. So fresh! And in my eyes, the perfect Italian bite. He originally asked me if he should include red onion, and this is your reminder that red onion on bruschetta is an absolute yes!
My relationship with figs
The second platter was a puff pastry, filled with roasted seasonal veggies and topped with poppy seeds. And lastly, a crostini topped with an elegantly whipped caprino cheese, topped with fig. So sweet and delightful. Fig is something that I used to despise as a child, and I’m so happy that my tastebuds have evolved to love it.
Course number two was a freshly made pasta- perfectly al dente with a light sauce, and an oh so fresh and creamy cheese. This was right about the moment that I went around the table and poured the 2022 Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva.
The 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva
With smooth tannins and bold fruits, the 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva was quite a bit darker ruby red color than the 2024, and the tannins more present as well. As the website explains, the aroma was intense with fruity hints and a pleasant spicy note. The Riserva was aged in French Oak for about 2 years before the wine ages in the bottle for at least 3 months.
What Italo Zingarelli wanted his wine to be
As I read more about Rocca delle Macie and Italo Zingarelli’s wishes for his family’s Chianti Classico, the philosphy became clearer. The Chianti was outstanding with, or without food. I wasn’t surprised to read that Rocca was one of the first wineries to produce a wine that aimed to satisfy. Without the frills.
With its fruity and absolutely drinkable style, it’s no wonder that this was a wine that Italo loved to drink. That night at our dinner table, I believe my family felt exactly the same way. These were not the usual Chianti Classicos that had significant tannins. They were as described:Velvety, pleasant, and I was enjoying them with every single bite.
A wine tasting to remember
The Riserva was the perfect pairing for the pasta, and the next course as well. The third course was a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin alongside a summer salad, and deliciously crisp potato wedges- seasoned masterfully. Delicious! By the time the dessert came out, I was opening the 2nd bottle of the 2024 Chianti Classico to enjoy with the chocolate mousse and freshly whipped cream.
This bottle continued to be my favorite, although each member of my family loved each bottle differently. That’s the beauty of wine. Our palates translate everything in a unique way.
The dessert was really yummy- nice and light for the hot weather we were having. Many thanks to Chef Donato for such a delicious dinner, and for cleaning the kitchen afterwards. With great food, and no mess, I don’t think it gets any better than that!
Chianti Classico in Italy that stands alone
So many times in my life I’ve purchased a Chianti Classico knowing full well that I would need to drink it along with something I was eating. A red tomato sauce, or a meat dish. But the Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico was different. Not only could I enjoy drinking it along with a meal. But I could also have a glass all by itself. When wine stands alone and doesn’t need anything, or anyone to make it great- now that is a wine that I want to drink.
It is also a wine that I want to enjoy with my family. As Sergio Zingarelli said, wine is a glue, and it did indeed bring us together. Sharing a bottle of wine with people you care about is a gesture of love. I have always felt that way, and to know that everyone involved with Rocca delle Macie feels the same about their wine, their history, and their future, made these bottles of Chianti Classico that we shared even more special. Because when I know the story behind the wine? Every sip feels like the most thoughtful gift.
My next visit to Italy
The next time I visit Italy, I will be planning a tasting and tour at the Rocca delle Macie Winery. The estate looks like an absolute dream, and our host Tommaso confirmed that it was quite remarkable. Unfortunately, my schedule did not allow for a visit on this trip, but drinking their wines at our family dinner at this beautiful villa in Tuscany was also an incredible experience! It made our dinner with Chef Donato even more memorable.
A Wine Tasting and Tour at Rocca delle Macie
A tasting and tour at a winery will help you feel connected to the wine, AND to Italy. This was precisely how my family ended up booking a one week stay at this gorgeous villa. When I first visited the Tuscan Countryside, I immediately felt so connected! And as the story goes, I fell in love with Tuscany.
It helped me truly see Italy, and because of that, Italy will always hold my heart and call to me to return. Plus, when I am in the Tuscan countryside, it usually includes a visit to a winery. And I’ll be honest, a wine tasting and tour always awakens a piece of me that is silent when I am home in Chicago.
Final Thoughts: Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico in Italy
The more I think about it, wine is not only the beverage that enhances a gathering with your loved ones. But as Sergio Zingarelli said- It is the glue. We pour it in our glasses in order to toast together, and we share our favorite bottles with family and friends as a gift to be shared. To me, there is nothing more special than to share my favorite bottles of wine with the people I love the most. It’s an act that is so tender-I feel like I am opening up my heart and soul to them just a little bit more. So therefore, to share the Rocca delle Macie wines with my family at our beautiful Italian villa in Tuscany was a bonding experience that I will not soon forget.
Thank you to Tommaso and Chef Donato for you hospitality and talents while we stayed in Tuscany. And of course. many thanks to everyone at Rocca delle Macie, especially Thomas for sharing your wine with me and my family! And most importantly, for sharing your beautiful past, present, and future with all of us. I can’t wait to visit you the next time I’m in Italy.
Read more about Italy and our wine & dine adventures:
- Castello di Casole Tuscan Heritage another slow hotel stay in Italy
- Castelfalfi Tuscany luxury hotel experience & slow living stay in Italy
- 5 Day Trips from Florence
- 2 Day Itinerary Florence
- Our favorite 5 Star hotels in Florence
- Day Trip from Florence – Bologna
Meet Julie Anne, our enthusiastic writer who believes every day is an opportunity to learn and grow. Passionate about local food, wine, fashion, and history, she dives into each city’s culture to bring you authentic, inspiring stories. She started writing in 2020 for Dutchbloggeronthemove. When not traveling, Julie Anne teaches music in Chicago, IL, and advocates for students with special needs. Stay tuned for her unique insights and adventures!
