Podere Le Ripi

Located in Southeastern Montalcino, Podere Le Ripi is one of the most famous and innovative wineries in the DOCG.

Overview

Considered one of the most important winemaking sites in the province of Siena, Montalcino enjoys a rich winemaking history. First settled by the Etruscans, the area has been known for superior wine production since Roman times. Modern notoriety came in 1865 through the efforts of Clemente Santi and his award-winning work with Sangiovese Grosso. Now home to some 220 wineries, the area is the seat of Tuscany’s most collected red wine—Brunello di Montalcino.

Founded by Francesco Illy in 1998, the estate has been described as a biodynamic winery that wants to return to its roots as a farm. “Curiosity pushed me to plant the first plot of vineyard” Illy recently remembered. The inaugural harvest occurred in 2003—since then, the winery has striven to employ practices which enrich the estate’s microclimate and ecosystem.

Today, the estate encompasses some 35 hectares of vineyards. The majority of these can be found in the shadow of Mount Amiata near Castelnuovo dell’ Abate, overlooking the Val d’ Orcia. Additional vineyards at Montalcino’s Southwestern border near the Ombrone river complete the project.