Valdarno di Sopra (a.k.a. Val d’Arno) is a small DOC located in Arezzo, roughly a 90-minute drive east from Florence. This hilly, forested region sandwiched between Umbria and Chianti is named for the Arno Valley. It served as a country retreat for wealthy Florentines for many years. Unlike many of its neighbors in Tuscany that produce red wines dominated by Sangiovese, Valdarno di Sopra DOC wines may include international varieties producing Bordeaux blend wines that this region believes deserve a place in the ranks of the finest Super Tuscans. That said, many of the excellent wines we tasted and recommend are 100 percent Sangiovese wines from this DOC.
Producers in Valdarno di Sopra focus on low yields, high quality and single vineyard cru wines. Until 2011 when it received the DOC – “Denominazione di Origina Controllata” designation, wines produced in Valdarno di Sopra were grouped under the subzone Colli Aretini. The region has two main subzones, Pietraviva and Pratomagno.
Our first visit to Valdarno di Sopra was in 2023 when we were hosted by Tenuta Sette Ponti. This highly regarded wine estate owned by the Moretti Cuseri family was formerly a hunting retreat for Prince Amedeo of Savoy-Aosta. Sangiovese vines first planted by the Prince in 1935 still provide the grapes for Vigna dell’Impero DOC Valdarno di Sopra, a Sette Ponti flagship wine.
Map of the Valdarno di Sopra production zones
Naturally, we were happy to make a return visit during Anteprime Toscana in February 2025 for a presentation entitled “Valdarno di Sopra Day.” We arrived past sundown and were welcomed with the burst of fresh, cool air from the surrounding mountains. Our visit started with a welcome dinner at Sette Ponti’s villa featuring regional dishes prepared by Francesco Berardinelli, chef-owner of Barlesh Montevarchi, a local restaurant worth checking out. Several producers attended, and wines were set out for us to taste.
The heavy glass lifting took place the next day at Il Borro, a winery with a stunning Relais & Chateaux property attached to a tiny medieval village owned by the Ferragamo family. Among the seminars, the most valuable was a presentation by British Master of Wine Susan Hume on the geographical identity of this region. Like many where a river runs through it- in this case the Arno River- each bank has a unique identity based on location, soil and other geographical conditions. Pratomagno (right bank) near the mountain range exhibits more sedimentary mountain soils (galestro), whereas Pietraviva (left bank) has alluvial clay and fossils.
The technical tasting revealed a wide range of well-made wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah dominate the reds, but we also tasted wines made with indigenous varieties including Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo Nero, Fogliatonda, Pugnitello and the aforementioned Sangiovese. One of the more unusual reds we tasted for the first time was Caberlot. The grape is a genetic mutation of Cabernet Franc and Merlot and pretty much cultivated exclusively in the Valdarno region by Podere Il Carnasciale.
Valdarno di Sopra white wines must feature 40-80 percent Chardonnay, a maximum 30 percent Malvasia. Other white varieties such as Malvasia and Trebbiano Toscana are also permitted. However, rules for whites in the two subzones are different. Pietraviva or Pratomango whites must feature 40-80 percent Sauvignon Blanc and up to 30 percent Chardonnay and/or other permitted white grapes.
Here are some of the Valdarno di Sopra DOC producers and wines we tasted and recommend:
Aerial of Petrolo estate
This historic estate from the Medici era was acquired in the 1940s by Gastone Bazzocchi, who began cultivating high-quality Sangiovese-based wines. His grandson, Luca Sanjust, an acclaimed artist, returned to Valdarno di Sopra in the 1980s to oversee the estate and is created with elevating Petrolo wines to international acclaim, some say “cult status.” U.S. importer: Vintus.
Wines:
Gallatrona– 100% “Grand Cru” Merlot- This estate’s icon wine has been dubbed “the Pétrus of Italy.”
Torrione- 100% Sangiovese sourced from vines dating to the 1970s.
Bòggina B 100% Trebbiano Toscana. Petrolo’s answer to an Italian Burgundy. In fact, Burgundy enologist Mounir Souma of Lucien Le Moine served as a consultant on production.
Sette Ponti Vineyards
Named for the seven medieval bridges crossing the Arno River on the road from Arezzo to Florence, Tenuta Sette Ponti has a storied past as the former country retreat for Prince Amedeo of Savoy-Aosta and Viceroy of Ethiopia. Under the current ownership of luxury goods entrepreneur, Antonio Moretti, Sette Ponti has transformed into a world-class producer of super Tuscan wines. U.S. importer: Kobrand.
Wines:
Vigna dell’Impero DOC – 100% Sangiovese from one of the oldest vineyards in Tuscany planted in 1935 by Prince Amedeo of Savoy-Aosta
Crognolo (IGT Toscana)- 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot. First released in 1998 and named after a wild bush on the estate.
Oreno (IGT Toscana) – A blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot. Sette Ponti’s second release is named after a small river running through the property.
Il Borro Vineyards
This storied country estate, was acquired in 1993 by luxury good entrepreneur, Ferruccio Ferragamo, who oversaw restoration of the nearby medieval hamlet a short walk from the Relais & Chateaux property. It is also where the Valdarno di Sopra Day presentation was held. The estate is managed by Salvatore Ferragamo, CEO, and his sister, Vittoria. U.S. importer: Medici Imports.
Wines:
Polissena– 100% Sangiovese. A full-bodied dry red with an intense aroma and flavors of red berry fruit, balanced tannins.
Petruna 100% Sangiovese aged in terracotta amphora. Full-bodied, red berries.
Alessandro del Borro-Valdarno di Sopra DOC 100% Syrah. Velvety with dark chocolate notes
Bolle di Borro – a metodo classico sparkling rose from Sangiovese
Vigna Ruschieto at la Salceto
A smaller certified organic winery in Valdarno di Sopra run by a husband and wife. We are still trying to confirm U.S. importer.
Wines:
Vigna Ruschieto- 100% Sangiovese. A full-bodied red with deep red berry notes. Grapes are sourced from the estate’s 25-year-old vineyards by the same name.
Osato Rosato– 100% Cabernet Franc. Refreshing with notes of cherry and hibiscus.
Valdarno di Sopra Day 2025 was organized by the Consorzio di Tutela della DOC Valdarno di Sopra. We were honored to be included and hope we have the opportunity to return to this beautiful region to personally visit producers at their estates, taste more wines, learn about the regional dishes and wine tourism. Grazie per tutti!