Podere Erica

Podere Erica was founded in 2005 by Neal and Jan Dempsey - originally from San Francisco - who bought a farmhouse and land in Barberino Tavarnelle, in the Chianti Classico zone of Tuscany. Winemaking began in 2009, after the farmhouse restoration, when Marco Giordano joined as winemaker (Florence enology degree plus biodynamic training at APAB). The estate covers around twelve hectares of woodland, orchards, olive groves, and a small vineyard of roughly two hectares.

Farming is organic and biodynamic, with spontaneous fermentations and minimal sulphur in the cellar. The estate is a VinNatur member - their 2014 Il Picchio placed third red in the 2018 VinNatur blind tasting. All cuvées are named after birds native to the property: Il Picchio (Woodpecker, 100% Sangiovese reserve, oak-aged), La Ghiandaia (Jay, Sangiovese-Canaiolo, concrete), The Raven (Sangiovese-led lighter style, stainless), La Cinciallegra (rosé), Le Rondini (Trebbiano white from old vines), plus an older Le Colombe Muscat dessert.