Sensi Vini: the rewards of deep family roots

Sensi Vini demonstrates the rewards of 130 years at the heart of the Tuscany wine industry. db investigates.

Sensi Vini originated as a humble operation on the hillsides around Florence. Its founder, Pietro Sensi, began selling Sangiovese to local towns and villages in 1890, slowly reaching more of Tuscany as his family grew. His wines, bottled in flasks and robed in straw, were an honest expression of Tuscan life, very much like Sensi Vini today.

Now in its fourth generation, Sensi Vini’s heritage is key to its success. Massimo Sensi, the company’s head, understands the responsibilities that come with having a long history: “A producer wants to protect, promote and give value to its family name, especially when it’s a 130-year-old family like ours,” he says.

Although its beginnings were humble, the company has expanded its horizons. From its first exports to France in 1960 to its 2009 entry to the Australian market, Sensi Vini has become a global player and one of Tuscany’s biggest wine exporters.

“Being Tuscan means being born in a land which is historically based on agriculture, but also full of culture,” says Massimo Sensi. Today, the producer ’s portfolio does justice to the whole of Tuscany. Sensi Vini makes Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino from two dedicated estates, Fattoria di Calappiano and Poggio Scudieri respectively. The company also has plantings of Sangiovese, Vernaccia, Vermentino and more across the region. The region’s heritage grapes, particularly Sangiovese, remain at the heart of the company.

There is still room for expansion, however. Plans for full organic conversion are underway, while the 18K range, launched in 2012, is bringing the brand’s elegance and luxury to the sparkling wine market. These projects are promoting Sensi Vini around the world while holding true to its original values.

Even after 130 years, Massimo Sensi still sees the company’s goal as “putting down deeper roots”. Whatever the future holds, in Tuscany and beyond, those family roots look more secure than ever. Below, Patricia Stefanowicz MW gives her tasting notes for three medalwinning Sensi Vini wines.

PROSECCO GOLD 18K DOC BRUT

Producer: Sensi Vini

Region: Venneto, Country: Italy

Grape variety: 100% Glera

Abv: 11%, Vintage: 2022

Approx. retail price: £19, Medal: Gold Pale lemon in hue, this brilliant wine bursts with pineapple, fresh melon, and white peach, with a hint of yeast. Creamy textured, it has crisp acidity, revealing layers of apple and yellow plums. The rosé also won Gold at the Prosecco Masters.

VINCIANO CHIANTI DOCG

Producer: Fattoria di Calappiano

Region: Tuscany, Country: Italy

Grape variety: 80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo, Abv: 14%, Vintage: 2022 Approx. retail price: £15

Medal: Silver This beautiful wine has a ruby-red core and garnet rim, with notes of bruised cherries and clay on the palate. With a light to midweight body, the wine has nice freshness, plenty of crunchy fruit, linentextured tannins and a long finish.

DAL CAMPO CHIANTI RISERVA DOCG

Producer: Sensi Vini

Region: Tuscany, Country: Italy

Grape variety: 80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo, Abv: 14.5%

Vintage: 2020 Approx. retail price: £20

Medal: Silver There is bitter cherry, raspberry, cranberry, vanilla, earth and a hint of limestone, accompanied by dry, dense tannins, zippy acidity and gently warming alcohol. A complex wine with weight and concentration.