Fornacelle
フォルナチェッレ
A small family estate at the heart of Bolgheri DOC
Fornacelle is a family-run estate in Castagneto Carducci, at the heart of the Bolgheri DOC on Tuscany's coast. Founded in the late 19th century by Giulio Batistoni — a sharecropper who purchased land once owned by the Della Gherardesca counts — the estate has been passed down through four generations. In 1996, Stefano Billi, Giulio's great-nephew, took over the property and began replanting the vineyards, releasing Fornacelle's own bottled wines starting with the 2001 vintage. Today Stefano and his wife Silvia Menicagli farm 15 hectares, of which roughly 9-10 are under vine, cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc for their reds and Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Fiano for their whites. Producing around 45,000-60,000 bottles a year, Fornacelle is considered one of Bolgheri's authentic small-scale 'garagiste' producers, crafting wines such as Guarda Boschi (Bolgheri Superiore), the 100% Cabernet Franc Foglio 38, and the Zizzolo line, reviewed by publications including Decanter and Vinous.
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Who Is This For?
For those seeking authentic, small-production Bolgheri wines from a hands-on family estate rather than the region's larger flagship names.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Fornacelle located, and which DOC does it belong to?
- Fornacelle is located in Castagneto Carducci, on the Tuscan coast, and its wines are produced under the Bolgheri DOC and Bolgheri Superiore appellations — not Val di Cornia.
- Who owns and runs Fornacelle?
- The estate is run by fourth-generation owner Stefano Billi and his wife Silvia Menicagli, who took over the family property in 1996 and released the first Fornacelle-labeled wines with the 2001 vintage.
- What grape varieties does Fornacelle grow?
- For red wines, Fornacelle grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc; for white wines, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Fiano.
- What are Fornacelle's flagship wines?
- Its key labels include Guarda Boschi (a Bolgheri Superiore), Foglio 38 (a 100% Cabernet Franc Supertuscan), and the Zizzolo Rosso and Bianco line.
- How large is the estate and how much wine does it produce?
- Fornacelle farms about 15 hectares, roughly 9-10 of which are planted with vines, producing approximately 45,000-60,000 bottles per year.