Podere Le Ripi

About

Owner: Francesco Illy
Winemaker: Sebastian Nasello
Vineyards: 35ha between two different sites, one of on the east slope and one on the west
Vineyard management: Biodynamic since 2010
Soils: Varies by site–more clay and silt in the south-east, sandier and rockier in the north-west
Grapes grown: Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Malvasia

Quick facts:

• The differences between the east and west slopes of Montalcino are significant enough that Podere Le Ripi chooses to make one Brunello from each site, instead of blending the two. The eastern side benefits from morning sunlight and constant breezes from Monte Amiata, and the limestone-rich clay-silt soils were once an ancient ocean. On the west side, the vineyards are surrounded by forest, creating a cooler and more humid climate, and the diverse soils were formed by alluvial deposits and are deeper and sandier. “This decision reflects the beauty of working with Sangiovese, a variety deeply sensitive to terroir,” Francesco explains.