Founded in 2011, the Ridolfi farm actually dates back centuries. It was the property of the historic Ridolfi family, nobles from Florence who had considerable land holdings in Montalcino.
Ridolfi winemaker Gianni Maccari is one of the last disciples of Giulio Gambelli, whom many believe was the greatest Tuscan winemaker of all time. And when owner Giuseppe brought Maccari on board, he offered him carte blanche. Maccari immediately set about building a brand-new, state-of-the-art winemaking facility, purchasing casks (mostly large-format botti from top French, Austrian, and Italian coopers), and introducing organic growing practices in the vineyard.
The estate covers 35 hectares, with 21 planted to vine. Of these, 13.5 hectares are devoted to the production of Brunello, with a single hectare devoted to Rosso di Montalcino. The oldest vines on the property were planted in 2001.
Lying at the northern foot of the hilltop city of Montalcino, the soil types fall into the “classic” category: A mix of clay, limestone, and sand, ideal for the production of long-lived Sangiovese with rich flavor. Although the farm is not organic certified (and Maccari has no plans to obtain certification), organic farming practices are employed in the vineyards.
Did You Know?
Ridolfi’s winemaker Gianni Maccari was a student of Giulio Gambelli, one of Tuscany’s greatest winemakers of all time. Known as the bicchierino because of the classic little glass he carried with him to taste from vat, Gambelli and Maccari made some of Brunello’s most critically acclaimed wines together.
Wines from Ridolfi
