Tuscan producer Ridolfi was named Gambero Rosso’s ‘Emerging Winery’ in 2021, the same year they were awarded their first Tre Bicchieri for the Ridolfi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino.
Ridolfi’s well established 19 hectare vineyard is located on the northern (coolest) side of Montalcino at an altitude of approximately 300 metres. Winemaker Gianni Maccari, one of the last disciples of Giulio Gambelli (considered one of Tuscany’s greatest winemakers) has been in charge of the cellars since 2014.
The grapes for each Ridolfi wine are picked by hand and selected first in the vineyard and then in the cellar after being destemed. The berries are not pressed, but fermented whole and the high quality of the grapes allows a very long maceration period: at least 60 days.
Along with the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino, the Ridolfi range includes the 2018 Rosso di Montalcino (named by Slow Wine as one of their ‘Top Wines’ in 2021) and perhaps their best value wine, the 2018 ‘Super Tuscan’ Fiero, a blend of 60% Merlot, 40% Sangiovese.
The Ridolfi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino, aged for 36 months rather than the usual 24 is an elegant but powerful example of Brunello, considered Italy’s most pure expression of Sangiovese.
The current available releases from Ridolfi are below:
RIDOLFI 2015 BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO DOCG
Tre Bicchieri
“Taking home Tre Bicchieri, with a subtle, sophisticated and complex Brunello ’15 doing the honours. Aromas of fruit and tobacco give way to a vibrant, dynamic palate, a faithful expression of the terroir.”
Gambero Rosso 2021
“Spice, hot stone, plum and cherry aromas follow through to a medium to full body, dense fruit and ripe and round tannins. Lots of white pepper and spice with ripe fruit. Needs two or three years to come completely together, but already beautiful. Try after 2021”
94points, James Suckling
Ridolfi 2018 Rosso di Montalcino DOC
100% Sangiovese
“Predominant aromas of ripe red fruit, especially cherry, with pleasant spicy notes. Elegant, soft and well balanced.”
Ridolfi 2018 Fiero Super Tuscan
60% Merlot, 40% Sangiovese
“Fragrant with prevailing notes of wild blackberry and raspberry. Smooth, elegant and balanced on the palate, with a pleasant freshness and persistence.”
