Nestled within the picturesque Villa Capponi Piaggio in Tuscany, a Farm has been frozen in time since December 13, 1997. This tranquil haven is the embodiment of one of the interrupted dreams cherished by a young entrepreneur who ardently believed in a brighter future for all. Perhaps his most beautiful and stubborn one. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Giovannino Agnelli, encapsulating his vibrant essence even years after his passing.
Giovannino spent his carefree childhood days at this very place, alongside his grandmother Paola. He inherited her unassuming charm, genuine class, and an unwavering sense of humility. From her, he acquired a profound belief that people are the wellspring of our strength, the lifeblood of any organization. Involvement, teamwork, and shared goals were etched into his ethos.
After years abroad, Giovannino returned to assume his rightful place in society, one he wished to earn through his personal endeavors. He rejected shortcuts, choosing to serve in the army as a non-commissioned officer and working under the alias Giovannino Rossi in the family business, deliberately avoiding preferential treatment. Only when he felt ready did he reclaim his name, Giovanni Alberto Agnelli, etching it into history.
This narrative may seem too remarkable to be real, as if it belonged to a different dimension. Yet, Giovannino’s vision was ahead of its time, as evident in Piaggio’s manifesto emphasizing social responsibility, safety, and environmental concerns—a revolutionary concept in the 1990s. That revolution we so desperately needed as the world today still grapples with the consequences of inaction on these vital issues.
Varramista was home, purity, and love, giving birth to the story of its Syrah. It remained a well-kept secret for quite some time, intimately connected to Giovannino’s soul, the place, and the tragedy of his untimely demise at the age of thirty-three, succumbing to cancer.
Rather than a mere business endeavor, this Syrah was conceived as a heartfelt gift, meant to be shared with family and friends. The project demanded perfection, producing a wine that exuded authenticity, encapsulating the essence of sunset, rustling trees, the scent of spruces, and the comforting embrace of “Home.”
The heartbeat of nature, an unorthodox grape variety for the region, and a determined young man were the key ingredients. Giovannino personally sought out the one agronomist and winemaker who could bring his dream to life, convincing him with boundless enthusiasm and unwavering determination. Who knows if Federico Staderini would have bet on Pinot Noir in Tuscany in the near future, had he not met Giovannino Agnelli with his crazy idea of growing Syrah there.
In 2001, another young oenologist, Francesca Frediani, joined the team, later becoming the head of the commercial and communication department. Her connection with Varramista is profound, rooted in love and dedication. During a tasting of Varramista Toscana IGT, her emotions flowed through her words aiming straight to the hearts of her guests.
Francesca led us through a captivating journey, spanning from 2019 to 2002, with vintages including 2016, 2015, 2005, and 2003. Each vintage possesses its unique story and character, embodying the textural and vibrant style of Federico Staderini. The Terre di Pisa Rosso DOC Frasca, tasted in the 2020, 2019, and 2018 vintages, mirrors his craftsmanship just as well
Today, every member of The Varramista Team remains steadfast in their commitment, preserving Giovannino Agnelli’s dream. This dream, renewed year after year in this timeless place with its new grapes and wine, continues to play a unique melody. Time stands still here at Varramista, and it is as if it retraces the same track over and over again, yet playing a song that somehow is always different, but which is always and only his own.
At Villa Capponi Piaggio, an air of profound reverence envelops the surroundings, coexisting with an unwavering, vibrant will that transcends from a parallel dimension where the noblest spirits find their abode. Giovannino’s soul resonates throughout every corner of this Farm, infusing every sip of his Syrah. It beseeches us to release our sorrow, allowing him to thrive in the ever-blossoming joy of life, guided by the enduring ethics and values that held his unwavering belief.
Within Varramista’s cellar, wine courses like life’s very pulse, akin to a treasure chest that encapsulates its enchantment. It serves as a poignant reminder that when a dream outlives its dreamer, a fragment of us remains eternally present and vibrant.
FATTORIA VARRAMISTA SpA
Via Ricavo – Località Varramista
56020 Montopoli in Val d’Arno (PI)
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