Nestled in the heart of the renowned Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, the Terra de Seta Winery is a shining example of traditional winemaking beautifully intertwined with the requirements of kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws. With its deep roots in the region and a commitment to producing high-quality kosher wines, this family-owned winery has carved a niche for itself in the world of fine wines, offering an exceptional experience beyond the glass.

The Chianti Classico region, located in the picturesque hills between Florence and Siena, is synonymous with exceptional wines. The area’s rolling hills, dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and historic villages, create a landscape ideal for viticulture for centuries. The Terra de Seta Winery is situated in this historic region, benefiting from its unique terroir—a combination of soil, climate, and topography—that gives Chianti wines their distinctive character. The 15 hectares of vines are located in the southernmost area of Chianti Classico and are elevated 500 meters above sea level and cooled by breezes from the Mediterranean Sea. Easy to access via a short taxi ride from Siena, I could see the town from the winery during my recent visit.

The Terra de Seta owners have been a part of this land for generations. Daniele Della Seta can trace his family history in Italy back 1000 years, and his wife, Maria Pellegrini, comes from a family that made wine in Tuscany for four generations. In 2007, after selling grapes they had grown for several years, the couple produced their first vintage under the Terra Di Seta label and their first fully kosher production in 2008.

As required by the regulations in the Chianti Classico region, the Tera Di Seta focus is the Sangiovese grape, with its deep, complex flavors supporting layers of dark fruit, tobacco, and a subtle spiciness that lingers on the palate.

The entry-level Chianti Classico is a great value, but the slightly higher-priced Riserva and Assai labels are among the best-priced kosher wines for the incredible quality they provide. These wines are comparable to top Bordeaux or Napa wines for a fraction of the price, perhaps because Italian wines are not as well known to kosher consumers in the United States beyond the ubiquitous Bartenura Moscato D’Asti. The higher-end “TdS” wines, as fans refer to the winery, age beautifully, so cellar a few bottles or try to find some of the earlier vintages for the tertiary flavors that emerge with time.

The winery sells early vintages at current prices, far cheaper than in the US, making the trip a great bargain, especially if you stay to enjoy a meal at the farm-to-table restaurant on the premises. We had many excellent meals in Italy, but nothing matched the cuisine at the winery’s organic and kosher dairy Osteria. My son is still marveling at the magnificent tomatoes with olive oil he received, and the pasta and fish dishes, prepared Tuscan-style, were divine. The restaurant reflects the family’s passion for hospitality, where visitors can enjoy a meal prepared with local produce with the same care and dedication that goes into the winemaking. They also accommodated the gluten and dairy-free members of our group.

In addition to their Chianti Classico wines, Terra de Seta also produces a kosher Super Tuscan—a blend of Sangiovese with international grape varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The official Chianti appellation doesn’t allow significant blending for Sangiovese grapes, but consumers have voted with their wallets. Today, Cabernet and Merlot blends are important parts of the Tuscan market. Labeled Guiduccio, a nickname for Guido, the given name of multiple members of the winemaking family over the generations, this Super Tuscan delivers a smooth, velvety wine with rich, fruity, spicy flavors and a long, satisfying finish.

Although the US kosher market is the most significant for TdS, Daniele told me that almost 25% of sales are to the broader general market, something rare for kosher wines. Such wines are often priced at a premium compared to regional peers, which makes them a challenging choice on restaurant menus. TdS competes well with the best non-kosher wines in price and quality. Although I was excited to purchase a 2016 Riserva and a 2020 Assai “Gran Selezione,” my choice of wine to go with our dinner was a crisp “Meshi” Rose, a delightful fresh wine made from Sangiovese grapes. Unfortunately, the most recent vintage of this wine can be more challenging to find at retail in the US – something I hope distributors will remedy as it was one of the best rosés I have sampled this year.

My only regret during my recent visit was not staying at the on-premises guest house, which has beautiful accommodations. They require a three-day minimum stay, and we were moving on to our next stop in Rome. It was easy enough to spend the night in Siena, and visiting on a day trip from Florence is also convenient. Details for a visit, restaurant reservations, and more are available here!

PHOTO ALBUM (Photos by J. Polonetsky)
Click each to see the full-sized picture