Caiarossa was created in 1998 on the rolling hillsides of Riparbella at Podere Serra All’Olio, a 100 hectare estate, part of an area owned for centuries by the De Medici family. Wine has been produced in Tuscany for millennia, but from its creation Caiarossa decided to be different, following biodynamic principles in partnership with the highest levels of professional winemaking to ensure the truest possible expression of character and vitality of this extraordinarily diverse and vibrant terroir.
Caiarossa
Born to be different
The Origin
The estate
Thanks to the continuous commitment and passion of the Albada Jelgersma family, our original 12-hectare vineyard has continued to grow over the years while still carefully fulfilling the founding vision. The entire Caiarossa estate now totals 100 hectares including 40 hectares of vines, 34 hectares of forest, 20 hectares of wildflower meadows and 6 hectares of olive groves.
40
Hectares of vines (99 acres)
34
Hectares of forest (84 acres)
20
Hectares of wildflower meadows (49 acres)
6
Hectares of olive groves (15 acres)
The Family
In 2004, Caiarossa was acquired by Eric Albada Jelgersma, who was searching for an Italian counterpart for his historic estate in Bordeaux Margaux, Chateau Giscours. He was deeply impressed by Caiarossa’s huge potential and fell in love with the beauty, energy and fertility of the region.
After he passed away, we placed a large sculpture in his favourite spot, a pair of eyeglasses that encourages all of our visitors to see the beauty of Caiarossa through his eyes and to share his love for this magical place. That innovative vision is now maintained by Eric’s three children, Valérie, Derk and Dennis, who honour his legacy by continuing to develop and deepen the family’s relationship with this amazing place with commitment, passion and positivity. Caiarossa is part of AJ Domaines, the Albada Jelgersma wineries group, along with Chateau Giscours.
Both wineries remain distinct entities that celebrate the extraordinary character of their own specific terroirs, although we work together as a family, led by the AJ vision, to share the very best ideas and practices.
The team
A professional team working in harmony with nature, guided by the modern vision of the Albada Jelgersma family.
One of our main goals is nurturing a positive, productive and sustainable relationship between nature and human beings. To ensure better communication, purposeful evolution, and inspired exciting product developments, all key departments are kept in-house.
The majority of our Caiarossa vineyard team members are from Riparbella and the immediate area; many have been with us for a decade or more. Due to our biodynamic approach, our vineyards are cared for by approximately one person per hectare, ensuring the highest standards of quality and unrivalled attention throughout our growing and winemaking processes.
The Identity
Our name, Caiarossa was created to pay homage to the Earth goddess Gaia and the rich red earth of the area. Our iconic logo, which graces the label on all our wines, features the head of an Etruscan statue of Dionysus, the god of wine, vegetation and fertility. This majestic representation was discovered near Volterra and acquired by Mr Eric Albada just before he became the inspiring leader of the Caiarossa estate in Riparbella, in the Etruscan land.
