The Story and Evolution of Borgo Savignola
In Chianti Classico Since 1780
Set in the hills of Greve in Chianti, Savignola is a historic borgo and wine estate with more than two thousand years of agricultural history. Over time, it has continued to evolve, bringing together tradition, respect for the land, and a sustainable vision for the future.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Ancient Origins
Between the seventh and fourth centuries BC, the Etruscans established rural settlements across these hills, drawn by their strategic position between Florence and Siena. During the Roman era, the land was organized into agricultural estates. The name Savignola is also believed to date back to this period, probably deriving from the Latin Savinius or Sabinius: fundus Savinianus, the estate of the Savinius family. A parchment dating to AD 1087 documents the name Savinius, offering an early written link to the ancient origins of Savignola.
CENTURIES OF CHANGE
The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, Chianti was a strategically important territory, long contested between Florence and Siena. Among its most influential families were the Gherardini, owners of the Vignamaggio estate and extensive cultivated lands that included Savignola. The family is also connected to Lisa Gherardini, traditionally identified as the woman portrayed in Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa; a connection that highlights the deep ties between these hills and Tuscany’s cultural history.
ONE FAMILY, ONE VISION
1780: The Fabbri Family
Savignola’s documented history begins in 1780, when the estate was acquired by the Fabbri family. They managed the property directly, developing its agricultural activities over time. During the nineteenth century, the family strengthened the estate’s winemaking vocation, contributing to the growth of the Chianti region and playing an active role in the local community.
A CHIANTI PIONEER
Paolina Fabbri Curcio
In the twentieth century, Paolina played a defining role in shaping Savignola’s modern history. In a world then dominated by men, she led the estate with determination and expertise, earning authority and respect throughout Chianti. With an innovative spirit, she modernized Savignola’s wines and became the third Chianti Classico producer to bottle her own wine in Bordeaux-style bottles, moving beyond the traditional straw-covered fiasco, then associated with a simpler, everyday wine. She also contributed to the founding of the Chianti Classico Consortium, leaving a lasting mark on the development of the appellation. At her side for many years was her trusted collaborator, Mario Garuglieri.
ROOTS AND FUTURE
