Aia Vecchia: A Modern Voice Defining Coastal Tuscany

Founded by the Pellegrini family in the mid-1990’s, Aia Vecchia is a family-owned Tuscan estate that has a strong reputation for producing expressive, terroir-driven wines from Italy’s coastal regions. Today, Aia Vecchia is managed by Elia Pellegrini, 4th generation owner and vintner. The estate takes its name from an old building on their property, symbolizing both heritage and place. With roughly 112 acres of vineyards split between Bolgheri and Maremma, the estate honors the region’s deep agricultural tradition with a modern, detail-focused approach to viticulture and winemaking, while capturing the essence of Tuscany’s maritime landscapes. 

Along with Aia Vecchia’s agronomist, Daniel Schuster, and the expertise of Hungarian winemaker, Tibor Gal, the Pellegrinis have been crafting beautiful, structured Bordeaux grape varieties primarily in two Tuscan zones: Bolgheri and Maremma.

Coastal Warmth, Marine Influence and Tuscany Structure

Bolgheri

Bolgheri, known for its Bordeaux-inspired blends and ideal growing conditions, is the foundation of the estate’s red wine identity. Aia Vecchia’s Bolgheri vineyards sit just miles from the Tyrrhenian Sea, where warm days and cooling maritime winds help grapes reach gentle, even ripeness, preserving acidity and aromatics. The soils are a mix of sand, clay, limestone, and gravel that provides excellent drainage. There’s also a long, sunny growing season with strong coastal breezes, leading to wines with ripe fruit, balanced acidity, and fine tannins. These conditions are perfectly suited to the Super Tuscan or Bordeaux blend: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, which are the varieties behind Aia Vecchia’s Lagone and Sor Ugo.

Maremma / Magliano in Toscana 

Aia Vecchia also farms vineyards in Maremma, one of Tuscany’s most dynamic white wine zones. Here, Vermentino thrives in well-drained soils, mineral-rich soils and a microclimate strongly influenced by sea winds. The result is white wines that are fresh, aromatic, and layered with Mediterranean character. In fact, this unique environment gives Aia Vecchia’s Vermentino its signature citrusy lift, floral aromatics, and subtle salinity.

The Wining Hour with Aia Vecchia’s Wines

Aia Vecchia’s portfolio reflects a commitment to authenticity and a deep understanding of its sunny, breezy and mineral-rich terroir, yielding expressive wines. Across its portfolio, emphasis is placed on balance, clarity, and a deep connection to place, making the winery a standout voice in Tuscany’s coastal landscape.

Aia Vecchia Vermentino Toscana IGT 2024

Aia Vecchia’s Vermentino offers a clean, refreshing style that speaks directly of the Tuscan coast. It adds a touch of Viognier. Fermented in stainless steel, the wine opens with tropical fruit, lemon zest, grapefruit, and white peach, followed by gentle floral accents and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. A touch of saline minerality carries the wine to a bright, lively finish. This Vermentino is quite aromatic, crisp and coastal.  It would pair nicely with shellfish, grilled fish and salads. 

Aia Vecchia Lagone Toscana IGT 2023

Lagone is Aia Vecchia’s approachable yet elegant Bolgheri red. It is a blend driven by Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc adding lift and structure. There are layers of dark cherry, plum, blackberry, and spice, complemented by subtle cedar and earthy notes. Lagone is medium-bodied, balanced and rounded.  I would pair this smooth, polished wine with a pasta, burger or roasted meats. 

Aia Vecchia Sor Ugo Bolgheri DOC Superiore 2022

Sor Ugo is the estate’s flagship Bolgheri Superiore, named in honor of Ugo, the first Pellegrini family member to work with wine. Sor Ugo showcases the full potential of its Bordeaux-influenced terroir. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and supported by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, the wine delivers richness and refinement. On the nose, it offers blackcurrant, wild berries, tobacco leaf, graphite, vanilla, and spice. The tannins are firm yet elegant, with a long, persistent finish.  Sur Ugo is, indeed, a structured, intense and age-worthy Super Tuscan wine. Steak and/or mature cheeses will be a great match.

Aia Vecchia’s focused portfolio allows each wine to express a distinct identity, bringing together ripe fruit, minerality, and structure from their coastal terroir. Moreover,  Aia Vecchia’s family stewardship ensures consistency and respect for tradition, bridging the past and present and setting high standards for modern Tuscan winemaking.