Rocca di Montegrossi Rosato Toscana IGT

Rocca di Montegrossi Rosato IGT Toscana

Fresh and fruity through the summer

The Rosato IGT Toscana from Rocca di Montegrossi is a genuine wine from the Chianti Classico: firstly, because it is made (in recent years) entirely from the indigenous Sangiovese grape variety - the leading variety in Tuscany. Secondly, because as an aperitif - or even as a snack - it is simply an integral part of any genuine Tuscan summer evening. And thirdly, because a rosato is always perfect in summer! The color in the glass alone makes you want summer: the shades of color of the rosato vintages range from salmon to cherry to pink. Depending on the vintage, the nose of the Rosato is a veritable basket of fruit: from strawberries and raspberries to cherries, peaches, pink grapefruit, rhubarb and lychees. When drunk well chilled, it is fresh, juicy and drinkable, with lots of fruity aromas on the palate that have already blended into a wonderful "fruit salad" on the nose. Depending on the weather, the grapes for the Rosato are harvested between mid-September and early October - by hand, of course. The grape must is then fermented in steel tanks for around three weeks at a controlled temperature of 16 degrees. For the following four months, the young wine remains on the natural fine lees at 10 degrees - this ensures a full and smooth taste. And then: Salute - and here's to summer!

Rocca di Montegrossi: a piece of the history of Tuscany and Chianti Classico

If you make your way from Florence to Monti in Chianti, you drive towards Siena through the oldest wine-growing region in the world, the Chianti Classico. And there, at the southern tip of Chianti, lies Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi's Rocca di Montegrossi winery. A gravel road leads to the estate immediately after the village center of Monti. The Romanesque church of San Marcellino, which was built in the year 1,000 AD, can be seen from the parking lot. Surrounding the church are 20 hectares of vineyards, 20 hectares of olive groves and wooded areas, which make up the 100 hectares of land belonging to Rocca di Montegrossi. Also in the immediate vicinity is the Castello di Brolio in Gaiole in Chianti - the seat of the noble Ricasoli family. Here Marco grew up surrounded by history. For example, the history that makes the Ricasoli name so important for the whole of Tuscany: Bettino Ricasoli, one of Marco's direct ancestors, is considered the inventor of the "Chianti formula" - and thus the founder of Chianti Classico.

Soil, climate, organic: perfect conditions for perfect wines

The basis of Rocca di Montegrossi's range of red wines is, of course, Chianti Classico. The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto di San Marcellino comes from the single vineyard of the same name with vines that are more than 45 years old. Geremia, the Supertuscan and therefore another red wine in the range, is a blend of the international Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties. This name, Geremia, also has historical significance: Geremia was the founder of the noble family from which Marco Ricasoli Fridiolfi descends. The fruity, fresh Rosato is a summery drinking pleasure apart from the red wines. A highlight in the range is without doubt the Vin Santo from Rocca di Montegrossi - it is one of the best in the Chianti Classico wine region. This unique result is made possible by a very complex production process that takes several years. And what should not be forgotten, of course, is the fruity, spicy olive oil.

A range of wines with national and international roots

The vineyards of the winery are located in the gentle hills around the village of Monti at an altitude of between 340 and 510 meters above sea level and all face south or south-east. The soil is characterized by stone and limestone. The dominant grape variety is of course Sangiovese, which is cultivated on around 13 hectares of the total 20 hectares of vineyards. In addition, the autochthonous varieties Canaiolo, Colorino, Pugnitello and Malvasia Bianco di Toscana can also be found in the hills. The international grape varieties Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon make up only a small proportion. The Rocca di Montegrossi winery has been certified organic since the 2013 vintage, but has already been run according to organic criteria for almost two decades. Sustainability is also demonstrated by the fact that the cellar technology is powered by its own solar system and rainwater is collected and used as process water.

In Italy, in the region Tuscany, in the region Chianti Classico, in Monti in Chianti

Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi

Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi

20 ha of which 11 ha are classified as Chianti Classico

Galestro

South or south-east orientation

340 - 510 meters above sea level

3,300 (old systems) - 6,200 vines per ha

Cordon