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.
Time-line
1998-1999
We purchased the estate and began replanting the vineyards of Guado al Melo (Campo Grande, Campo Ferro, Campo Giardino, Campo Bianco, Campo Ulivi).
2001
Our son Giovanni is born. Campo alla Badia vineyard established
2002
First official harvest for the Criseo wines (at that time “Guado al Melo Bianco”) and Rute (at that time “Guado al Melo Rosso”)
2003
First harvest for Antillo, Atis (at the time “Guado al Melo Superiore”) and Jassarte wines
2004-2005
Construction of the current wine-cellar using bio-architecture techniques
2006
First harvest for the Bacco in Toscana (Bombababà) wine
2007
Our second son, Federico, is born
2008
Launch of Magis sustainability certification
2010
First harvest for the L’Airone (Vermentino) wine
2014
Campo Marino vineyard established
2016
Guado al Melo is Gambero Rosso’s Emergent Winery of the Year. Campo Pietrini vineyard established
2022
Achieved national sustainable quality standard (SQNPI)
2023
Campo Lupinaio vineyard established