If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a fashion dynasty trades runways for rows of vines, welcome to Il Borro: the Ferragamos’ medieval hamlet-turned-organic wine estate and luxury hideaway in Tuscany’s Valdarno di Sopra. In Robert Camuto’s Wine Spectator profile, the story reads like a vintner’s fairy tale with just enough grit to keep it honest—more leather boots than glass slippers.
Why This Matters
Behind every great bottle is a story, and this one matters. It reflects broader trends shaping how wine is made, sold, and enjoyed. Stay curious—your palate will thank you.
The setup: about 2,500 acres of mostly woodlands, a restored stone village, two restaurants, olive groves, honey, pasta, and yes—serious wine. Salvatore Ferragamo (grandson of the legendary “shoemaker to the stars”) led the charge after his father, Ferruccio, bought the then-crumbling property in 1993. As Salvatore put it, “Every roof leaked,” he told Robert Camuto of Wine Spectator. That’s not ambiance; that’s a budget line item.
From bulk Chianti to a focused, organic wine estate
Il Borro started modestly—just a couple acres of bulk Chianti—before pivoting hard in the late ’90s. First came Bordeaux and Rhône varieties in the super Tuscan vein; then a long arc toward balance, elegance, and organics. The estate converted to organic viticulture in 2011 under consulting enologist/agronomist Stefano Chioccioli, and the results show in the glass. The flagship style has evolved from early muscle (think Il Borro Toscana 1999) to today’s more nuanced expression, like the long, complex 2020 Il Borro Toscana.
What makes Valdarno di Sopra interesting is its patchwork terroir—clay, pebbles, sand, schist—tucked between mountains and the Chianti hills. It’s a place that rewards experimentation. As Salvatore Ferragamo told Wine Spectator’s Robert Camuto: “The idea here is to study your soils and plant what works.” That mindset powers a lineup that zigzags from amphora-fermented Sangiovese (Petruna) to a silky, ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon (Nitrito), with high-elevation Syrah (Alessandro dal Borro) adding a cool, savory accent from 2,000 feet. Last year’s acquisition of Pinino in Montalcino folds Brunello and Rosso into the family, making Il Borro less a single-note winery and more a Tuscan playlist.
So, why go? Because it’s a Tuscan idyll with substance
Lots of estates promise dolce vita; Il Borro delivers it with range. You can sip traditional-method Sangiovese sparklers, wander a vaulted cellar designed to echo historic stables, and then decompress at a spa or pool with a valley view. The village suites and villas skew antique-chic (note: no elevators), which pairs beautifully with a lazy morning espresso and the sound of, well, not much. This isn’t Florence traffic—it’s birds and a light breeze.
The food angle is dialed. Chef Andrea Campani leads the Osteria del Borro and the more casual Il Borro Tuscan Bistro (with outposts in Florence, Dubai, and Crete). The kitchen leans into estate-grown vegetables and olive oil; Salvatore’s definition of luxury is refreshingly grounded: produce, eggs, and extra virgin that taste like a place. It’s fashion-house polish with farmer energy, and I’m here for it.
What to taste at Il Borro
- Petruna (Sangiovese, amphora-fermented): lithe, textural, and a great terroir translator for Valdarno di Sopra’s diversity.
- Il Borro Toscana: the estate’s calling card—now focused on balance and length. Recent vintages show poise over power.
- Nitrito (Cabernet Sauvignon): ultra-high-end, silky structure; save for special occasions or serious steak.
- Alessandro dal Borro (Syrah): rich, high-elevation Syrah with savory edges—proof Tuscany keeps surprising.
- Classic-method Sangiovese rosé and white sparklers: for the pool, the patio, and the golden hour selfie you pretend you don’t care about.
How to plan your visit
Il Borro makes it easy: book a tasting (wine-and-cheese pairing available), tack on a vineyard or cellar tour, and leave time to stroll the village. If you’re staying overnight, consider this play: morning trail walk, late-morning tasting, lunch at the Bistro, spa reset, sunset glass of Petruna, dinner at the Osteria. Mix in a farm or art-gallery tour if you’re feeling curious—and note the estate’s family-friendly activities if you’re traveling with kids.
Beyond the pretty postcard, Il Borro is a living snapshot of where Tuscany sits now: confident enough to honor Sangiovese, curious enough to explore Cabernet and Syrah, and wise enough to farm organically. As Salvatore reflects in Wine Spectator, the thrill is in the creative chase with nature. That’s the kind of luxury you actually taste.
Two takeaways if you’re plotting an Italian wine trip: first, don’t sleep on Valdarno di Sopra—it may be young as an appellation, but it’s got range. Second, Il Borro isn’t just a stay; it’s a case study in how a place can evolve without losing its soul.
Or, as Salvatore learned when he first walked the property: sometimes you start with leaks and end with legacy. That’s a Tuscan fairy tale I can raise a glass to.
Quoted lines attributed to Salvatore Ferragamo via Robert Camuto, Wine Spectator.
Key Takeaways
- Key themes: Il Borro, Tuscany wine travel, Valdarno di Sopra—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Source: https://www.winespectator.com/articles/the-ferragamos-tuscan-wine-fairy-tale
