Fattoria Montereggi

Montereggi Farm is set within a unique landscape in the Mugnone Valley of Fiesole, just 15 minutes from Florence and over 400 meters above sea level. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Tuscan countryside, the farm offers a glimpse into the past, where simple pleasures like a glass of wine, spring water, and bread with olive oil can still be enjoyed in the shade of cherry, walnut, and apricot trees.

The name Montereggi originates from the legend of Radagaiso, the king of the Goths, who, after conquering much of northern Italy, including Fiesole, was defeated by the Romans and took refuge on the hill of Montereggi, where it is said his treasure remains hidden. The toponym "Mons Regis" (the King’s Hill) adds an intriguing mystery to the area.

The farm, which began in the 17th-18th centuries, originally spanned 300 hectares but was reduced to 100 hectares due to later divisions. Purchased in 1926 by Pietro Borsini, who recognized the importance of its rural location near Fiesole and Florence, the farm underwent significant development, particularly after World War II.

With the help of his son Mario, Pietro Borsini transformed Fattoria Montereggi into a specialized producer of Tuscan staples, planting vineyards and olive trees, and constructing an olive mill. The introduction of tractors and machinery revolutionized farm operations, much to the delight of the local peasants, moving away from the traditional sharecropping system that persisted until the 1970s.

Today, the farm is managed by Giorgio Cavalloni and his family, who are dedicated to preserving the traditions of previous generations while adapting the farm to the demands of the 21st century. The legacy of Pietro Borsini and the strong bonds formed during the trials of WWII continue to be remembered and honored by the community.

At Fattoria Montereggi, the low yield per hectare and per plant is a key factor in ensuring that the olive trees and grapevines concentrate all their flavor into a limited number of fruits. Covering a total of 15 hectares, the vineyards were primarily planted in the 1970s and 1987, with additional plantings in 1999, 2005, and 2017. The vineyard layout follows a 3x0.80m spacing, with approximately 4,160 plants per hectare.

The cultivated grape varieties include Sangiovese, Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello), Canaiolo, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Colorino for red wines, while Tuscan Trebbiano, Chardonnay, and Malvasia di Candia are used for white wines.

The farm also features 44 hectares of olive groves, home to around 9,000 olive trees planted in the 1960s and 1970s. Notably, an experimental grove with 2,500 palmette trees was planted in collaboration with the University of Florence to improve efficiency and productivity. The other olive groves, planted with larger distances and terraced due to the slopes, contribute to the stunning Fiesole landscape. Varieties include Frantoio, Gentile, Moraiolo, Leccino, Maurino, and Pendolino, all deeply rooted in Tuscan tradition.

Since the 1980s, Silvia and Valerio Cavalloni have managed the farm with dedication, blending tradition with modern innovation. They introduced Chianti DOCG bottling, Bag in Box packaging, and sought new markets, particularly in the restaurant sector. Their efforts not only improved the quality of products but also contributed to the development of the surrounding area. In 2015, their son Giorgio took over the management of Fattoria Montereggi, bringing fresh ideas while continuing the family legacy.