History of Guado al Melo

The documented viticultural history of this estate dates to at least the beginning of the 19th century. In 1820, it became part of a larger estate, that of Espinassi-Moratti, from which extensive documentation survives. The wine was sold mainly in Pisa, in aristocratic circles, appreciated because it was ‘full-bodied and fragrant’. In 1925, the wine won first prize at the Wine Exposition in Rome. After the Second World War, the estate fell into decline and the part we currently occupy passed to a local farmer who continued to produce wine. Only the owner who immediately preceded us (’92-’98) was not involved in wine growing.

We purchased the estate in 1998. Our link with Bolgheri was established thanks to Professor Attilio Scienza (Michele’s father), who has collaborated with wineries throughout the territory since the late 1970s. He subsequently led the changes to the denomination and conducted a study of viticulture zonation in the region. He fell in love with the territory. Moreover, he knew it inch by inch. So, purchasing the estate wasn’t a random choice, as we always understood the beauty of the land and its great wine-growing potential.

The estate had changed names several times in the past. We named it “Guado al Melo” to highlight our connection with the territory, as is common practice in Tuscany. “Guado al Melo” (Ford at the Apple Tree) is the ancient name of this place. It refers to the ford on the Fossa di Bolgheri creek, the stream that surrounds our vineyard and gives the alluvial quality to our soils.