Sean O’Callaghan, originally from England moved to Italy in 1991 to work as winemaker at the renowned Tuscan estate Riecine.

In the villages of Chianti he is known as ‘Il Guercio’ meaning one-eyed rascal. It refers to the fact that Sean was born blind in his right eye, which he credits with giving him a unique perspective on winemaking and on life in general.

Today, Sean is in partnership with Karl Egger at Tenuta Di Carleone in Radda, the heart of the Chianti Classico region within the original borders of Chianti Storico.

The estates organically farmed vineyards hold enviable high altitude positions in both Radda & Gaiole. From here, Sean continues to do what he does best using a gentle hand to craft impossibly elegant yet exciting interpretations of this legendary Italian varietal.
His Chianti Classico is 100% Sangiovese that truly expresses Radda in Chianti. Hand Picked & foot crushed with a little whole bunch and aged in steel, cement and old oak. Pure and elegant. “IL Guercio” is Sangiovese from the “Mello” vineyard in Gaiole at 700masl. Grapes are late picked for maximum ripeness and fermented with 20% whole bunch in cement tanks. A long maceration of 4 months gives incredible character of fruit. Outstanding in every way.

– Quel Vino