Chiara Condello's journey as a winemaker is deeply rooted in the rich history of Predappio, a small town in the Emilia-Romagna region with winemaking traditions dating back to the Roman era and even earlier, through the Etruscans. Her family’s estate, Condé, was founded by her father Francesco Condello in 2001 after carefully selecting prime vineyards on marl and sandstone-rich soils known as "spungone." This terroir, with its cooler climate than nearby Tuscany, has nurtured Sangiovese vines for centuries, and regional winemaking laws go as far back as 1383 to ensure quality. In 2015, Chiara broke out on her own, building her own cellar and acquiring old-vine plots that many others had abandoned, focusing on organic farming and an old, ancient approach combined with modern sensibility, inspired by the legendary Tuscan Sangiovese master Giulio Gambelli.

Chiara’s wines highlight the uniqueness of Predappio’s terroir—the native Sangiovese clone here produces wines with smaller berries, thicker skins, and an expressive, silky character that captures both elegance and energy. With meticulous whole-berry fermentations and aging in large Slavonian oak botti, her Sangiovese delivers a nuanced perfume, fresh acidity, and remarkable finesse that have quickly made her a rising star in Italian wine. Her dedication to preserving the heritage and potential of this area is seen not only in her wines but also in her commitment to reviving and promoting Predappio as a premier Sangiovese terroir, standing proudly alongside Tuscany’s best.

Why You'll Love It

• Silky texture with vibrant energy that glides across the palate, reminiscent of fine Burgundy Pinot Noir

• Aromatic complexity featuring red woodland berries, wild strawberry, cherry, violets, tomato leaf, and black pepper

• Balanced medium body with fresh acidity and subtle tannins for versatile, food-friendly enjoyment

How to Serve It

• Decant for 30 minutes to fully open up the wine’s expressive aromatics and texture

• Serve in Burgundy-style glasses at 60-65°F to highlight its finesse and freshness

• Ideal pairings include cedar-planked salmon, grilled ribeye steak, or traditional regional dishes like Cotechino with lentils and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar