Tenuta San Beda

Tenuta San Beda is a small, family-run winery nestled in the picturesque Lucca countryside, near the historic village of Montecarlo. With a deep passion for the land, the estate has gradually restored and replanted vineyards that span approximately 5 hectares, situated at 50 meters above sea level. The winery’s manager, David, oversees every aspect of the winemaking process—from tending the vines to crafting the wine in the cellar. As an oenologist, winemaker, and cellarman, David follows the rhythms of nature with dedication, nurturing the vineyards daily.

The Tenuta San Beda farm is located in the historic Corte Meino, within the Cercatoia area of Montecarlo di Lucca. This region, which began hosting peasant settlements in the 18th century, was owned by the Giusti family until the early 1990s. Entrepreneurs Gabriella and Alfiero Fantozzi later acquired the land and entrusted its management to their daughter, Maria Patrizia. Under her initiative, the young estate has been revitalized, bringing new life and vigor to the land.

The estate extends across 10 hectares to the southwest of Montecarlo, in a serene valley just two kilometers from the town’s historic center. Visitors are greeted by a harmonious landscape of vineyards, olive groves, orchards, and woodlands, all bordered by a small stream at the valley’s base. While the production of high-quality wine remains the estate’s primary focus—thanks to a blend of peasant tradition and modern winemaking techniques—Tenuta San Beda also takes pride in producing exceptional extra virgin olive oil, all while respecting the surrounding environment.

Tenuta San Beda’s production philosophy is deeply rooted in the land, where wine is shaped by the terroir, microclimate, and the dedication of its caretakers. The small vineyard size allows for meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every decision is made with care. The winery produces a range of red wines from Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Malvasia, alongside a distinctive white wine based on Viognier. Recently, the offerings have expanded to include an exceptional Sangiovese brandy, further highlighting the estate’s commitment to quality and tradition.

The wines are crafted exclusively from grapes harvested from both historic and younger vineyards, all classified under the IGT Rosso Toscana and IGT Bianco Toscana designations. The vines, cultivated using the Guyot and spurred cordon systems, thrive in medium-textured soils with a blend of clay and sand, situated at an elevation of 80-100 meters above sea level, with a favorable southwest exposure.

Production focuses primarily on red grapes from vineyards over forty years old, including Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Ciliegiolo, alongside more recently planted vines of Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Tempranillo. Syrah is the most prevalent variety, well-suited to the area's unique microclimate. For white wines, Viognier has replaced the historically prevalent Trebbiano, bringing a fresh dimension to the offerings.

Wine production is limited, covering just about three hectares, allowing the winery to maintain exceptionally high-quality standards by combining the rich knowledge of peasant traditions with modern winemaking techniques. During the harvest season, from September to October, grapes are meticulously handpicked and selected, ensuring only the finest bunches are used. Signs of birds nesting among the vines during the harvest demonstrate the perfect harmony between nature and agriculture at Tenuta San Beda.