#LAVITASIEME Cosimo Maria Masini

Sep 13

For this La Vita Sieme, we take you to the rolling foothills of San Minato and one of our favorite boutique family owned and operated wineries … Cosimo Maria Masini!

Nestled in the hills of San Miniato and just a short ride from Florence, this biodynamic winery and palazzo is one of our favorites to stop by for a tasting during our weekend countryside drives. Owned by the Masini family, who live and operate the winery day-to-day, their passion for creating unique wines shines throughout the property. As a one hundred percent biodynamic winery, they are committed to producing wines in a completely restorative way.

A gorgeous view of the vineyards with the hills of San Miniato in the background

What is a biodynamic wine? Well, it goes even further then organic. Biodynamic farming is a commitment to utilizing only natural biological processes to fertilize and regenerate the soil and plants throughout each growth cycle. The environment is viewed as a collective organism and its natural biostructure must always be protected as a complete whole.

Want an example? Rather than use pesticides to keep unwanted bugs away, Cosimo Maria Masini introduces the pheromones of these insects’ natural predator. This tricks the bugs into thinking that the winery is dangerous and thus, protects the precious grapes while keeping the delicate ecosystem intact! Amazing right? This commitment to naturally restorative practices continues throughout the entire winemaking process. By manipulating natural components, they are able to create a more flavorful grape and eliminate using extra yeast, enzymes or tannins (which means more wine drinking with fewer nasty headaches!)

By June the fruit is just coming in… Visit in September to see the vines in all their glory!

Pop in on any given day and you will likely find the matriarch conducting wine tours and pouring tastings herself while her sons and extended family delicately work the vines. Grape varieties include traditional Sangiovese (Chianti wines), Canaiolo, Trebbiano and even the difficult to find Sanforte, in addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc and Blanc. They even have a unique orange wine that we highly recommend as an “experience” for the seasoned wine taster who thinks they have tried it all!

Our 5th or 6th wine? It was all starting to get a little fuzzy….

The palazzo itself, Once owned by the Bonaparte family (yes, Napoleon), is historic and beautiful, with a unique terracotta and ecru striping facade. Opt for the full guided tour and you will see the villa, gardens and all of the natural wine making facilities before sitting down to an extended tasting. Seriously, we spent the whole day tasting over 7 wines and leisurely strolling the vineyards wine glasses in hand. We ended the day with a typical local winery game. After an afternoon of “tasting”, try to navigate down the vineyard rows without tripping and spilling your wine. Between the roots and the soft soil… it is surprisingly difficult!

By now, you know how committed we are to living and working in more restorative and holistic ways! And so, we are delighted to raise a glass (of wine) and to highlight others in our corner of the world doing the same.

When you can travel again, we highly recommend scheduling a tour and tasting at Cosimo Maria Masini. Ask for our friend Gabriella! The harvest this year is fabulous with their 2018 Sanforte variety slated to be the best vintage yet! If you book far enough in advance, there is even a gorgeous farmhouse and private pool available for extended stays. From the stunning gardens to the lush biodynamic vineyards, we can guarantee a completely restorative day at Cosimo Maria Masini.