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Bacchus world

Michelangelo's Wine

"That rounded jugful" eulogized by Michelangelo Buonarroti in his "Rendiconti versiliesi" [Versilian Accounts] are the opening words of a tale perhaps still to be told.

Because in Versilia the narrow wine-making gorges hidden away from fashionable trends, hip showcases and rampant gossip are incredibly meaningful places.

In this environment vines grow, for ever protected and exposed to the sun to such a degree that the wines of the lands of the captaincy of Pietrasanta in the distant past were appreciated so much that they were used by farmers as a means of paying taxes to the central government.

Whether this is myth or reality, one thing's for sure: the wine made in the hills of Pietrasanta, Seravezza and Montignoso is of unquestionable value. Beginning with this assumption, the Cantine Basile-Terre del Capitanato winery lies in the hills of Versilia, just five minutes by car from the lovely historical centre of the "Little Athens" of Pietrasanta.

The cellar began lengthy research into the consistency of the existing vineyard and the creation of new ones. What was the end result? Well, it's only surprising if you are unaware of the treasures of this land. The Basile family has looked beyond this...

 "Our tasting room conveys the philosophy that we buy into: it is no neutral studio space or playground of pretense, yet a vibrant, functional place where the tasteful furnishings and hospitality go hand in hand with a company that every day depends on the land of Versilia", emphasizes Michele Basile.

That land which Michelangelo, having discovered the "rounded jugful", had learnt to love.