Collection: Podere le Ripi

Brunello di Montalcino with a focus on biodynamics and place

Podere Le Ripi is located on the eastern side of Montalcino in Tuscany, an area characterized by large variations in altitude, soil, and microclimate. The estate was founded in the late 1990s by Francesco Illy, who brought an uncompromising approach to quality and detail from the Illy family into the world of wine.

The starting point from the beginning was to work closely with nature and let the place define the wine's expression - not the other way around.

Estate, soil, and biodynamics

Podere Le Ripi spans approximately 54 hectares, of which about 23 hectares are planted with vineyards. The rest consists of olive groves and untouched forest, which play an active role in the estate's biodiversity.

The winery is certified biodynamic and operated according to strict organic principles. Work in the vineyard is based on nature's cycles, and each parcel is treated individually to preserve its uniqueness. The soil consists of both volcanic elements and calcareous subsoil, which gives the wines structure, energy, and pronounced elegance.

Winemaker and direction

A central part of Podere Le Ripi's identity is winemaker Sebastian Nasello, who has been associated with the estate from the beginning. Sebastian is known for his combination of technical insight and intuitive approach to winemaking and is today considered among the most prominent profiles in the area.

In 2016, he was named "Winemaker of the Year" by Gambero Rosso. Under his leadership, Podere Le Ripi's wines have gained broad international recognition for their balance, complexity, and precision. The work combines classic Tuscan methods with a consistent and modern approach to vinification.

Vineyards and the unique bonsai vineyard

Podere Le Ripi produces both Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino, and a range of more experimental cuvées. One of the estate's most notable elements is the so-called bonsai vineyard, which has the world's highest planting density with up to 62,500 vines per hectare.

The extreme density forces the vines to compete and seek deep into the soil, resulting in grapes with great concentration and a very clear imprint of the growing site. The result is wines with intensity, structure, and remarkable finesse.

Style and expression

The wines from Podere Le Ripi are characterized by a rare combination of depth and lightness. Sangiovese is expressed with precision, freshness, and clear structure, where tannins and acidity are finely tuned.

These are wines that develop over time and reward both patience and curiosity - without losing their balance or energy.

Podere Le Ripi at Copenhagen Wine

For us, Podere Le Ripi is a clear example of what Brunello di Montalcino can achieve when uncompromising vineyard work, biodynamic principles, and precise vinification come together in harmony.

These are wines that speak to wine lovers with an interest in both terroir, method, and detail – and who seek Brunello with clarity, depth, and personality.