TENUTA LA NOVELLA
Fine wines, olive oil and the beauty of a home surrounded by nature
Perched at an altitude of 500 meters, Tenuta la Novella is located in the heart of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena, in the Chianti Classico appellation. This vast 188-hectare estate, abandoned for years, regained its lost splendor in 1996 when François Schneider, fascinated by the place’s beauty, decided to restore this magnificent residence. He restored the old cellars dating back to the time of the Medicis as well as the entire vineyard and olive groves that surround it. It took ten years to return to this estate its soul of yesteryear. Only nature and human talent can produce exceptional products. To achieve the highest quality, Tenuta la Novella produces its olive oil, Chianti Classico and IGT wines and Vin Santo, according to the strict standards of organic and biodynamic agriculture, without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Our 13.5 hectares of vineyards spread over the best terroirs of the estate, 20 hectares of olive trees around our own mill.
Guided Tours and Tastings
History
TENUTA LA NOVELLA
For 10 years, the nuns of San Bartolommeo were granted a dispensation and continued to use the premises, which they had to leave in 1818. On April 24th 1820 the monastery became the property of the wealthy Zini family, the old nobility of Modena and Ferrara. After the acquisition of the surrounding land from the Marquis Francesco Riccardi della Vernaccia and several years of work to transform the monastery, it became a large agricultural estate with 17 farms. In 1827 it changed its name to "la Novella", that is to say the "New", the "Transformed". Wine, olive oil, chestnut flour, grain, fruit and vegetables are produced here. They raise sheep and make cheese.
In the 13th century, the monastery of San Bartolomeo a Musignana was founded to house the "agostiniane di Santa Croce" sisters. In the square there was already a watchtower that was used until then to watch the access from Florence through the Ema valley. It was the basis of the construction. Around it were erected the various buildings of the community: residence of the Mother Superior, refectory, dormitory, place of meditation (cloister) and prayer (chapel). Over the centuries, extensions were made to allow for the development of the community. In 1808 Napoleon and the French government decided to seize all the property belonging to the clergy.
Few changes until the 20th century. Other owners succeeded the Zini family. In October 1953, Siro Sbraci, an industrialist from Prato, buys it. He dies in the 70's without direct heirs. The estate was then abandoned for several decades. In 1996, when the Société des Domaines became the owner, La Novella became a veritable ruin. It took more than 10 years of work to bring it back to life and to promote organic farming, the Novella's trademark.
• Since 2015 Simone Zemella and his assistant Lorenzo Morandi have been working on the evolution of the estate, always with respect for the product and nature and with continuity in the development of organic and biodynamic farming
Your holiday home in the heart of Tenuta La Novella
An unforgettable experience
Two beautiful homes facing the enchanting Valley of the Ema river, both with a private outdoor space and access to the infinite pool.
Come and swim into the greenest of views, while enjoyng our Biodynamic Wines: A Guided Tour and Tasting is always free for our guests.
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