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A Story in a Bottle
Award-winning sommelier Clément Robert MS, co-founder of luxury wine consultancy Larsen-Robert & Associates, shares his exclusive insights into the exceptional wines produced at the Villa Saletta estate in Tuscany.
Owned by Guy and Julia Hands, Villa Saletta is a passion project 20 years in the making, and their dedication is now bearing fruit. The result is a collection of wines that evoke emotion, express a true sense of place, and radiate personality. As Clément describes, “This is a project on the brink of major success, ready to make its mark on the wine world.” He introduces us to Villa Saletta’s top five wines, each one a story in a bottle.
Saletta Giulia
A blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Inspired by Julia Hands, this refined, Bordeaux-style blend has a character that echoes Bolgheri’s great wines. With notes of tobacco, leather, and a meaty richness, it is beautifully balanced by hints of vanilla, blueberry, and blackcurrant jam. The structure, freshness, and acidity allow it to age gracefully, developing remarkable depth over time.
Saletta Riccardi
Pure Sangiovese
Named after the Riccardi family, who founded the estate centuries ago, this wine captures the soul of Tuscany.
A personal favourite of Clément, Sangiovese thrives only in exceptional soil, and at Villa Saletta, it flourishes. Decades of hard work have resulted in a wine with bright raspberry fruit, soft silkiness, and pure Italian charm. Unlike many great Sangioveses, this one doesn’t require extensive aging — it reveals its beauty even in its youth.
“This is a project on the brink of major success, ready to make its mark on the wine world.”
Clément Robert MS
Chianti Superiore
Classic Sangiovese
Winner of the Grande Belle Rosso award for two consecutive years, this wine is a testament to the team’s dedication to quality winemaking.
Chianti is often underestimated, but this is a serious, refined expression, combining intensity, strength, elegance, and precision. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with a simple plate of bruschetta to truly appreciate its depth and authenticity.
Chiave di Saletta
A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
One of the hidden treasures of the estate, this wine delivers exceptional value.
The inclusion of Merlot brings a touch of softness, while the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon add backbone and complexity.
It seamlessly blends Tuscan tradition with Bordeaux sophistication, creating a wine that is both easy-drinking, yet layered with depth. Notes of ripe blackcurrant, coffee, and bell pepper intertwine beautifully, making it a perfect choice for any occasion — whether a simple meal or a more elaborate affair.
Villa Saletta, nestled in Tuscany’s picturesque hills, boasts a rich winemaking heritage that has garnered numerous prestigious awards under the guidance of David Landini, recently named in the Drinks Business Top 100 Winemakers in the world, and his dedicated team. Their flagship wine, 980 AD, achieved a Gold Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2019 and was one of their Top 50 Wines of 2023. The Saletta Giulia 2018 vintage earned a Gold Medal at the London Wine Competition.
Saletta Riccardi 2019 received a Gold Medal at Mundus Vini. These accolades reflect the team’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in winemaking.