Wineries and vineyards for sale in Arezzo

Arezzo is an Italian municipality in Tuscany.

Near the Arno River, it was an important Etruscan settlement, existing as early as the 9th century BC. In Roman times, Arretio (Arretium) was a city in Etruria.

After the fall of the Empire, it was not until after 1000 that it regained importance as a cultural centre and episcopal seat, with its bishop holding feudal power. Rivalling Florence and Siena in power, Ghibelline Arezzo was defeated by the Guelphs in 1289, establishing the hegemony of the Tarlati. Annexed to the Florentine domains in 1384, it regained its independence in the 16th century but was reconquered by the Grand Duchy under the power of the Medici, until it became part of Italy in 1860.

Cortona is a small medieval town in the Valdichiana, in the province of Arezzo, surrounded by a wall where some Etruscan and Roman features can still be seen. Cortona became known in the 20th century not only for its traditional wines but also for modern wines made from foreign varieties considered super-Tuscan.

HISTORY OF WINE

The Terre di Arezzo Wine Route runs for about 200 kilometres. From Valdarno, with San Giovanni and Montevarchi to the naturalistic route of Cavriglia. Then Bucine, Pergine and Civitella, with castles, villages and views of Valdarno and Valdichiana. From Ambra towards Valdichiana to Monte San Savino and Lucignano, among vineyards and olive groves. And then Foiano, Pozzo, Marciano and Cortona. From Castiglion Fiorentino to Arezzo, situated in the centre of four valleys with an important history and culture, and from Arezzo towards Casentino, with the Casentino Forest Park and Setteponti at the foot of Pratomagno. Finally, Borro, and near Loro Ciuffenna, the Parish of Gropina. Returning to San Giovanni Valdarno, passing through Castelfranco di Sopra.

From Arezzo heading towards Valdarno, which presents itself as a wide plain that, through a thousand-year-old work of erosion by water and wind, has formed the Barrancos. Above the cliffs passes the Setteponti route, Roman Cassia Vetus that linked Arezzo to Fiesole. The plain is followed by the hills, with their medieval settlements, and then the turn of the mountain with Pratomagno, its woods, chestnut groves and meadows. Inhabited by Etruscans and Romans, it preserves villages with vestiges of city walls, forts and castles.

Finally, we reach Valdichiana, a fertile and lush plain, surrounded by rolling hills and vegetation with its beautiful and intact medieval villages. The Etruscans have been present in this region and have left extraordinary vestiges everywhere.

WINES AND WINERIES

The province of Arezzo, located in the heart of Tuscany, is known for its rich winemaking tradition and beautiful landscapes, which have contributed to its growing reputation in the world of wine. The area boasts several notable DOCs that reflect its unique terroir and viticultural history.

The Chianti DOCG, which extends into the province, making Arezzo a key part of this famous region. The Chianti DOC in Arezzo is known for producing wines primarily made from Sangiovese, which forms the backbone of the Chianti wines. These wines are celebrated for their bright acidity, vibrant fruit flavors, and versatility.

In addition to Chianti, among the prominent DOCs in Arezzo is Cortona DOC, which is recognized for its high-quality reds, notably those made from the Syrah grape. The warm climate and varied soils of the area create wines with deep color, rich aromas, and a robust structure. In recent years, the super-Tuscan wines of Cortona, considered the home of Syrah in Italy, have become known.

Another important DOC in Arezzo is the Valdarno di Sopra DOC, which is situated along the Arno River. This designation produces both reds and whites, with Sangiovese being the primary grape in red wines, and Trebbiano and Malvasia featured in whites.

The province is also known for its contribution to Toscana IGT wines, which encompass a wide range of premium wines made from both indigenous and international varieties. These wines often reflect the innovative spirit of Arezzo's winemakers while maintaining the region's deep-rooted traditions.

While Arezzo does not have DOCG status for its wines, the quality and character of its DOC wines, particularly those from Chianti Colli Aretini and Cortona, make the region a key player in Tuscany's wine landscape.

Arezzo's wines, with their rich history and diverse styles, continue to gain recognition, thanks to the province’s unique mix of local expertise, climate, and terroir. The region is a testament to Tuscany's ability to produce wines that are both rooted in tradition and forward-looking in their approach.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Arezzo, of Etruscan origin, is a medieval gem. In the historic centre, you can admire the Church of San Francesco with frescoes by Piero Della Francesca The Legend of the True Cross, another church worth visiting is Santa Maria della Pieve, known by the inhabitants of Arezzo as "La Pieve", a masterpiece of medieval Romanesque sculpture, with a beautiful facade with columns. The Gothic Cathedral with the Maddalena by Piero della Francesca, and the Church of San Domenico with the crucifix by Cimabue.

The Piazza Grande of Arezzo, also known as Piazza Vasari, its pronounced inclination gives it a unique visual dynamism. The Piazza Grande is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by buildings from different periods ranging from the Middle Ages to the Baroque. In the square there are other medieval buildings such as the Palazzo Tofani and the Torre dei Lappoli, Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici, while on the north side there is the Loggia del Vasari, while the loggias designed by Giorgio Vasari whisper stories of artistic greatness.

On the Colle di San Donato there is also the Medici Fortress, which is an example of a 16th century defensive military architecture. The forts of the Fortezza are a panoramic point of the city from where you can admire the Arno valley, the Pratomagno and the alpe di Catenaia.

Cortona, the historic centre that develops around Piazza della Repubblica where the Palazzo Comunale is located. The beautiful Sanctuary of Santa Margherita and the Fortress of Girifalco.

The famous Italian Renaissance lyricist and humanist Francesco Petrarca was born in Arezzo. Several Renaissance artists were born in Arezzo or its surroundings, such as Michelangelo Bunarroti, Piero della Francesca, Masaccio, Pietro Aretino, Griorigo Vasari, Guido Monaco and Francesco Redi.

Cortona, in the province of Arezzo, is a town with six walled gates: Porta Sant'Agostino, Porta Berarda, Porta Bifora, Porta Colonia, Porta Montanina and Porta Santa Maria. Of these gates, only Porta Bifora is of Etruscan origin, while the others are medieval or Renaissance. The symbol of Cortona is the town hall, with its clock tower and stone staircase leading to Piazza della Repubblica.