Le Miccine

Paula Papini Cook is the heartbeat of Le Miccine, a quaint 7 hectare vineyard located in one of three original communes of Chianti Classico, Gaiole in Chianti .  The property dates back 300 years, where it originally served as a resting place for travelers on donkeys (hence the name Le Miccine or female donkey).  It was known for producing wine since the 1960s, but it was in 2010 when a young & determined  French / Canadian woman moved mountains to acquire the property, converted the land to organic viticulture and began her pursuit making nervy and finessed Chianti Classico. 

 

Hailing from Quebec, an unlikely home for a winemaker,  she spent countless summers in Tuscany with her Mother’s family, which influenced her affinity for the land.  She cut her chops in Bordeaux & Rioja and finally landed in Tuscany where she secured her own little vineyard oasis.  The vines are planted to Sangiovese, Colorino, Merlot, Vermentino and Malvasia Nera.  The Malvasia Nera is mostly eaten by Cingihale, but does show up in small quantities of the wine.  In between vines is a bright tapestry of cover crops that keep the soil in balance like vibrant red Poppies, wild grass and fava beans.  With a distinct soil mix of Galestro and Albarese that Sangiovese loves and a cool microclimate the wines lend themself to a racy, floral and savory profile.  Paula is one of a kind and truly a vintage soul in modern times.