Podcast 011 | My conversation with Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi from the Rocca di Montegrossi winery

Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi

Rocca di Montegrossi | Monti in Chianti

In this episode, I would like to introduce you to Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi from the Rocca di Montegrossi winery. The winery is located in Monti in Chianti, in the southern part of Chianti. Marco is a scion of the famous Tuscan noble family Ricasoli Firidolfi. But I know him above all as a passionate winemaker and agronomist who has been tending his vineyards and producing exceptional wines for many years.

We are sitting in the tasting room at the Rocca di Montegrossi winery in Monti in Chianti and have a fantastic view of the white grapes hanging to dry, which will soon be processed into the fantastic Vinsanto from Rocca di Montegrossi.

Before we get started, in keeping with the title of my podcast "For a glass of wine with Nina in Chianti", we have a glass of wine by our side. Today we have the San Marcellino 2016 in our glass, an outstanding vintage. Marco explains: "It was a beautiful vintage, very balanced with perfect weather - some heat, some rain at the right time and never too warm, cool nights. It was one of the most classic vintages of the last 15 years."

Marco talks about the challenges and joys of viticulture. He emphasizes how important it is to understand the land, the soil, the terroir and to carefully cultivate it agronomically in order to achieve the best results.

The history and terroir of Rocca di Montegrossi

Marco has been running the Rocca di Montegrossi winery for over 25 years. He describes how his family, one of the oldest wine-growing families in the world, laid the foundations for the winery. Today, the winery covers around 100 hectares, of which 20 hectares are vineyards, 20 hectares are olive groves and the rest is forest.

"Monti in Chianti is one of the most beautiful regions of Chianti Classico, with a unique terroir," explains Marco. "The terroir here gives our wines their characteristic acidity, freshness and balance, which you can taste every year."

Sangiovese is the main grape variety at Rocca di Montegrossi, complemented by Canaiolo, Colorino, Pugnitello and international varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Marco explains how these grape varieties work together to create unique wines. Of particular note is the Ridolfo, a new blend of Pugnitello and Cabernet Sauvignon, which Marco describes as an "iconic wine". "The blend is unique and brings out the best characteristics of both grape varieties," he says.

The famous Vinsanto

One of the winery's highlights is the Vinsanto, a traditional sweet wine. Marco explains the elaborate production process: "We hang the grapes to dry and carefully monitor the entire process to ensure the best possible quality. The grapes are pressed around Christmas and the wine is then aged for several years in small barrels made from different types of wood."

Wine for the episode

2016 Rocca di Montegrossi Vigneto San Marcellino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG

Further links

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