Rocca di Montegrossi Ridolfo Toscana Rosso IGT

Ridolfo Toscana Rosso IGT from Rocca di Montegrossi

A great name for a great wine

Of course, a wine is not primarily about its appearance. But just by looking at the Ridolfo Toscana Rosso IGT from Rocca di Montegrossi, you can tell that it must be something very special, something great. This wine is big in the truest sense of the word, as Ridolfo is only available in the 1.5 liter magnum bottle. And the packaging also promises "grandezza": in a wooden box with gold print, the Ridolfo makes an impression from the very first moment. The bottle itself is wrapped in fine paper, on which the family tree of the Ricasoli-Firidolfi family is depicted. You can already guess that the name of the wine has something to do with the famous, originally Lombard noble family Ricasoli and its historical roots. After all, Marco's ancestor is none other than Bettino Ricasoli, who is considered the inventor of Chianti Classico. However, the Ridolfo takes its name from one of Marco's ancestors from the tenth century: Namely from Ridolfo Ricasoli. He in turn was the long-awaited son of Geremia Ricasoli, who had settled in the Chianti region. This made Ridolfo the first Ricasoli whose home was the Chianti Classico. The central importance of Ridolfo for the family is also reflected in the Latin family tree. In it, Ridolfo's descendants are listed as "filiis rodulfi" - i.e. the "sons of Ridolfo". This later became the name "Firidolfi" in ancient Italian. Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi therefore not only bears the name of the noble family to this day, but also the surname Firidolfi, which distinguishes him as a direct descendant of Ridolfo. And the name of the wine: a sign of appreciation for the forefather of the Ricasoli-Firidolfis.

An unusual pairing in Ridolfo: Cabernet Sauvignon & Pugnitello

At least as great as the story behind the name of the wine and its presentation is the content of the bottle itself. After all, it is also something very special: an unprecedented blend of 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 50 percent Pugnitello. This grape variety, which is native to Tuscany, was almost thought to have disappeared. This is because "Pugno" means fist - and the Pugnitello grapes are similarly small. Due to their low yield, the grapes were not particularly popular with winegrowers for a long time. Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi, owner of Rocca di Montegrossi, has rediscovered these small-berried grapes and their unique taste. And so, for the very first time, the gentle "fist" of Pugnitello in Ridolfo meets the international charm of Cabernet Sauvignon in the 2015 vintage. The result is a wine that is full of power, structure and complexity. A wine that wonderfully reflects the terroir of Monti in Chianti, where the Rocca di Montegrossi winery is located. On the palate, blackberries meet dried plums, harmoniously accompanied by the sour cherry aromas typical of Pugnitello grapes and the eucalyptus touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. Add to this a pinch of pepperiness and spice - and you have a very special wine in many respects. A wine that is in no way inferior to the strong personality and proud character of its namesake!

Monti in Chianti: the best terroir for winegrowing

When people talk about Tuscany and red wine, the name Monti in Chianti inevitably comes up. There is no doubt that Monti is one of the outstanding wine-growing regions in the Chianti Classico, the oldest wine-growing region in the world. There are numerous renowned wineries in the vicinity of Monti. One of these is the organically certified Rocca di Montegrossi winery. Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi produces outstanding wines on around 100 hectares of land, 20 hectares of which are used as vineyards - all in a gently undulating, south-south-easterly location, at an altitude of between 340 and 510 meters above sea level. Sangiovese - the leading variety of Chianti Classico - is cultivated on an area of 13 hectares. However, the indigenous grape varieties Canaiolo, Colorino, Pugnitello and Malvasia Bianco di Toscana can also be found here. The international grape varieties Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon make up only a small proportion of the vineyards. The winery has been officially certified as an organic farm since 2010. Sustainability is also a major issue for Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi in other respects: rainwater is collected in cisterns and used to carry out the necessary cleaning work in the cellar. Solar panels on the roof of the winery provide the energy for the controlled cellar temperature. 

An outstanding range of red wines & a heavenly Vin Santo

Together with his oenologist Attilio Pagli, Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi is responsible for the high quality of the wines at Rocca di Montegrossi. The flagship of the winery is undoubtedly the Vin Santo from Rocca di Montegrossi, which may not be holy, but is all the more heavenly for it - in a quality that is rarely found elsewhere. The main product in the range in terms of quantity, but which is also outstanding in terms of quality, is the Chianti Classico. This consists of around 90 percent Sangiovese and 5 percent each of Canaiolo and Colorino. The Vigneto San Marcellino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione expresses the elegance and complexity of old vines. The vines, which are up to 45 years old, grow in the immediate vicinity of the small church of the same name. Made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Geremia, the super Tuscan from Rocca di Montegrossi, brings internationality to the range while at the same time expressing the diversity of the wonderful terroir of Monti in Chianti in an incomparable way. At the same time, it underlines Marco's connection to his ancestors. The fruity, fresh rosato is a faithful companion throughout the summer. And since around 1,000 olive trees grow and thrive on the best slopes in Monti in Chianti, an Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva DOP del Chianti Classico is pressed every year.

In , in the region , in the region , in