IN BREVE
- Castello di Meleto joins the Special Register of Historic Brands of National Interest, recognized by MIMIT.
- This recognition certifies the production continuity and historical value of the estate for over 50 years.
- There are 38 historic brands in Tuscany, of which only 13 are in the food & wine sector, making Castello di Meleto an exclusive entity.
- Francesco Montalbano emphasizes the importance of this recognition as a means of protecting and enhancing the estate’s history.
- The estate offers an integrated model of hospitality and wine tourism, strengthening its bond with Chianti Classico.
Castello di Meleto, a historic winery in Gaiole in Chianti (Siena), has officially joined the Special Register of Historic Brands of National Interest, established by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT). This recognition is reserved for companies that have represented a heritage of production continuity, territorial identity, and historical value for the Italian economic system for at least 50 years.
MIMIT RECOGNITION AND NATIONAL FIGURES
As of February 2026, there are approximately 970 brands registered in the Register throughout Italy, distributed across various Made in Italy sectors. Within this scope, wineries represent a limited share. In fact, Castello di Meleto is among the few dozen wine entities present in the Register of Historic Brands of National Interest.
HISTORIC BRANDS IN TUSCANY AND IN FOOD & WINE
Tuscany has a total of 38 recognized historic brands, confirming its position among the regions most representative of Italy’s production heritage. Within this group, only 13 companies from the Tuscan food & wine sector have obtained the recognition. The entry of Castello di Meleto places the estate within a small core of regional entities considered strategic to Italian production history.
A WORD FROM GENERAL MANAGEMENT
“This recognition is not just a symbolic milestone, but a testament to a model that, while preserving the estate’s history and heritage, focuses heavily on innovation and the communication of excellent products,” says Francesco Montalbano, General Manager of Castello di Meleto.
“Joining the Special Register of Historic Brands,” he continues, “means seeing a centuries-long journey protected and valued, built on respect for the land, entrepreneurial vision, and the ability to innovate without losing identity. Our company is deeply rooted in Chianti Classico, and this recognition strengthens our commitment to the future.”
CASTELLO DI MELETO IN CHIANTI CLASSICO
Castello di Meleto is one of the benchmark companies in Chianti Classico. The estate boasts one of the largest organic vineyard areas in the denomination and occupies a historically recognizable position in the heart of the Sienese hills. Wine production is complemented by a broader project to enhance the region, which includes hospitality, dining, and wine tourism activities.
WINE TOURISM, LANDSCAPE, AND TERRITORIAL IDENTITY
In addition to its agricultural activities, Meleto develops an integrated model that includes a farm-to-table osteria, a widespread hospitality system, and a structured wine tourism offering. The castle is also crossed by the route of L’Eroica, the international cycling event dedicated to gravel roads, an element that strengthens the link between the site, the landscape, and the cultural identity of Chianti Classico.
