Podere Le Ripi 'Sogni e Follia' Rosso di Montalcino 2021, Tuscany, Italy

REGION 
Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

 

VARIETAL 
Sangiovese

 

TASTING NOTES

Podere Le Ripi has its roots in the tradition of Tuscan agriculture, where grape growing and wine making were one facet of a diverse ecosystem and community. Le Ripi was founded in 1997 by Francesco Illy, of the Illy coffee family, with the intention of developing a beautiful piece of land into a sustainable farm and winery. His decision to begin making wine was inspired by many of the great wineries of the area, though he brought a fresh outlook and surrounded himself with a dynamic team. While wine is their principal focus, the farm is made up of extensive gardens (six hectares), an apiary, olive groves, orchards, and pasture, home to a flock of sheep, goats, ducks, and geese. The farm has always worked naturally since its early days and in 2012 became Demeter certified biodynamic. 

 

Community is a huge focus at Le Ripi. Most of the employees are young people from all over the world, who have come there to learn while working. Francesco and Sebastian are both incredibly supportive of their employees, empowering and providing opportunities and education. Some of their assistant winemakers have already started wine projects of their own. The Le Ripi project is almost like a vocational school where learning and working are intimately intertwined.

 

This Rosso di Montalcino has a refined but structured palate. An expressive nose reveals cherry, strawberry and violet lifted by a fresh, balsamic hint of aromatic herbs. The palate is broad and textured with pronounced minerality, layered with red fruit and savory spice marked by earthy underbrush tones.

 

(Biodynamic)