Vigna dell’Impero 1935, Ninety Years of History in the Heart of the Valdarno

The flagship cru of Tenuta Sette Ponti celebrates a royal legacy and a contemporary vision of Sangiovese.

In 2025, Vigna dell’Impero celebrates its 90th anniversary, marking nine decades of Italian winegrowing history at Tenuta Sette Ponti, owned by the Moretti Cuseri family. Located in Castiglion Fibocchi, in the heart of Tuscany’s Valdarno area, this historic vineyard embodies both the memory of a prestigious past and the modern expression of a great terroir-driven Sangiovese.

Planted in 1935 by Amedeo di Savoia, Duke of Aosta, then owner of the estate, Vigna dell’Impero takes its name from the symbolic momentum of the era. At that time, the estate belonged to the Royal House of Savoy. In the early 1950s, architect Alberto Moretti Cuseri purchased the first parcels from Princesses Margherita and Maria Cristina of Savoy Aosta, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of this unique viticultural heritage. Since then, the family has safeguarded the integrity of this historic vineyard, now listed among Italy’s historic vineyards. Extended on three hectares at approximately 300 metres above sea level, Vigna dell’Impero lies on stony soils rich in galestro and mineral salts. Its south-eastern exposure and the winter Tramontana wind create a naturally healthy environment, contributing to optimal grape ripening. Yields are extremely low. While a twenty-year-old vine may produce up to ten bunches, Vigna dell’Impero produces just three per vine, ensuring concentration and balance.

Since the 2012 vintage, Vigna dell’Impero 1935 has been produced only when the vintage meets the estate’s strict quality standards. Consequently, the 2014, 2017 and 2023 vintages were not released, reflecting rigorous selection. Vinification involves a long, gentle maceration of around one month, followed by at least two years ageing in oak barrels and a further year in bottle. The wine is not filtered, preserving the natural aromatic integrity and structure of Sangiovese.

Derived from a unique estate clone and subject to massal selection, Vigna dell’Impero 1935 is produced in limited quantities, each bottle individually numbered. More than a single-vineyard wine, it stands as a living testament to ninety years of Italian winegrowing history, bridging royal heritage and contemporary excellence.