The Beconcini winery has its roots lying at the very heart of Tuscany. Theirs is a story of hard work, love, and family traditions effectively drawn and passed across generations. And right at the centre of the magic is Leonardo Beconcini, who, with his wife Eva Bellagamba, perpetuates the family wine legacy initiated some generations back during the 1950s. The name Beconcini commands respect in the winemaking community and operates by the philosophy of producing wines that express the true terroir of San Miniato, with its rich agricultural tradition.
The Origins: The Transition from Lease Cropping
The history of the Beconcini family dates to the 1950s, when Leonardo's grandfather, Pietro Beconcini, purchased land where descendants of his family worked as sharecroppers. This acquisition would lead to the Beconcinis becoming one of the first families in Tuscany to break free from sharecropping oppression – opening the door for a subsequent dedicated viticultural estate.
Initially, Pietro Beconcini Agricola was an agricultural operation producing all sorts of products. Still, under the leadership of his son, viticulture became the sole focus, and the family began handling the land to produce wine. Fast-forward to the 1990s, with a drive for winemaking, Leonardo produced the family's first Sangiovese vintage in 1995. In 1997, his wife Eva joined him, and likewise, they set forth to producing wines that would not only express the characteristics of their lands but would also pay homage to the dear winemaking traditions of Tuscany.
The Mystery of the Vine Marked X
On their striking road of winemaking, The Beconcini family discovered the hidden ancient mystery-the "X" vine on its trunk. This vine was revealed to be Tempranillo, a grape variety that is typically associated with Spain's Rioja region. This sudden discovery led to the creation of a unique clone of Tempranillo, now named "Tempranillo IXE," which stands as a testament to the Beconcini family's dedication to experimenting and innovating while respecting tradition.
Sangiovese: The Heart of Tuscany
Sangiovese is probably the grape variety that defines Tuscany. For Leonardo, his first major Sangiovese project took four years of painstaking work to select two clones of the grape that would become the backbone of Beconcini's winemaking. He aims to craft wines that are more than simple expressions of Sangiovese, wines with an added complexity and aging potential.
Leonardo constantly evolves the way he works with the grape to draw the best from it, underpinned by the unique San Miniato terroir. The Sangiovese of this region is expressive, exhibiting qualities that are specifically Beconcini.
The clay-rich soils of San Miniato give rise to wines with deep, vibrant colours and intense acidity which ensures a graceful old age. Fresh fruit and roses dominate the nose, which, together with the aging process, evolves to greater complexity. The most surprising thing about Beconcini's Sangiovese is that its tannins are smooth, juicy, and incredibly elegant, which sets it apart from other Sangiovese wines in Tuscany.
Beconcini wines in the FAB portfolio include:
Beconcini - Chianti DOCG Antiche Vie 2022
This wine is a tribute to the Chianti that Leonardo’s grandfather cherished. Made from a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Malvasia Nera, and Trebbiano, it captures the essence of Tuscany's historic Via Francigena. With fragrant violets and deep black fruits on the nose, the wine presents a rounded, firm taste that finishes with a tart, lasting impression.
Beconcini - Toscana IGT Tempranillo IXE 2019
This wine reveals the Beconcini family's secret: Tempranillo, not from Spain, but from the heart of Tuscany. The 2019 vintage is a deep, minerally wine with violet hues and aromas of dark fruits, floral notes, and a signature Tuscan minerality. Smooth and refreshing, this Tempranillo stands apart, showcasing the marriage of traditional Spanish roots and Tuscan terroir.
Beconcini - Toscana Rosé IGT Tempranillo Fresco di Nero 2020
The Fresco di Nero 2020 is a bright and refreshing rosé made from Tempranillo, offering a rare expression of the grape in a lighter, more delicate form. With aromas of red roses, citrus, and hints of chalk and graphite, this wine is the perfect balance of lightness and richness, making it an ideal companion for a variety of occasions.
Meet the producer at the 'Taste with the Makers' Events in Australia
Meet the geniuses behind these remarkable wines on the dates below for the Taste with the Makers events in Melbourne on February 23rd and Sydney on February 25th. Get your tickets to experience the passion and craft behind Italian wine.
