Querciabella to remain in family ownership

Tuscan fine wine producer Querciabella has announced key changes to its leadership, as the founder’s daughter Mita Castiglioni takes on the ownership of the company from her brother.

Mita Castiglioni, who will take over the ownership of the property, is the eldest daughter of the winery’s founder, Guiseppe Castiglioni (Pepito). He was an industrial entrepreneur and lifelong wine lover who founded the small estate in Ruffoli, overlooking Greve in Chianti, in 1974.

Her brother Sebastiano assumed leadership at the turn of the new in the late 1990s, when Pepito retired (he died in 2003), and spearheaded the conversion of the estate to organic production, later introducing biodynamic and vegan biodynamic practices (using only cover crops and plant material composts) and furthering their sustainability efforts.

However, Sebastiano has stepped down to pursue his other passion, his art dealership business, with his sister taking over.

Leadership skills

The move will keep the estate — which comprises 74 hectares of vineyards in Chianti Classico and a further 32 hectares in Maremma — in family hands, drawing on Mita’s entrepreneurial and leadership skills and experience on the boards of  various companies.

Her two children, Andrea and Selene, are also set to play a role in the winery’s future, with Andrea relocating from Oregon, where he runs a farm.

Mita will divide her time between her current base in Mexico and Italy, with the current CEO Roberto Lasorte, continuing  to oversee the company’s management on a daily basis.

Advancing vision

The  family agreement will see the new team “uphold and advance Querciabella’s vision of a world where wine production embodies respect for the environment, fosters social inclusion, and promotes equitable economic development,” a statement from the company said.

“Half a century ago, I had the good fortune to witness my father, Giuseppe Castiglioni (Pepito), fulfill his dream with the creation of Querciabella. Today, we can still see how his unwavering dedication and love for his work built a company grounded in the profound belief of creating value for everyone: our customers, employees, community, and the environment,” Castiglioni said.

“Together with my son and daughter, we will pour the same passion into our work as my father did before us, ensuring Querciabella remains a beacon of integrity and sustainability in the world of wine. We hope to make a positive impact on this world and on all the people touched by our wine.”

The estate produces both white wine wines, including “the first white super Tuscan” Batàr (a blend of  Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco), and reds, including blends Mongrana (Sangiovese-dominant with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), Turpino (Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot), and as well as the eponymous Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva.