The Producer

Podere Erica is a boutique, family-owned estate nestled in the heart of the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, specifically in Barberino Tavarnelle. Originally a 500-year-old farmhouse surrounded by over 30 acres of forest, pastures, and vineyards, the property was purchased and meticulously restored in 2005 by American owners Jan and Neal Dempsey. Their vision was to preserve the authentic charm of the Tuscan landscape while creating a sustainable agricultural haven. The estate is not just a winery but a working farm that produces olive oil, honey, and vegetables alongside its celebrated wines.  

The winemaking philosophy at Podere Erica is defined by a deep commitment to organic and biodynamic practices. Led by winemaker Marco Giordano, the team employs a "natural" approach that prioritizes soil health and minimal intervention in the cellar. This includes hand-harvesting grapes, using spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, and often aging wines in terracotta amphorae or French oak. The result is a collection of honest, terroir-driven wines—labeled Il Vino di Erika—that capture the distinct character of the land without synthetic chemicals or heavy processing.