Fattoria Ambra is an organic estate in Carmignano in Prato province, in Alta Tuscany, Tuscany. It produces pink wines under the Rosato di Carmignano DOC, red wines under the Barco Reale di Carmignano DOC and Carmignano DOCG. A Vin Santo di Carmignano DOC is also made.

Etymology: Ambra is named after a poem called ‘Ambra’ written by Lorenzo Il Magnifico in the 15th-century.

Owner: Giuseppe (‘Beppe’) Rigoli. Tall, lanky. Trained as an oenologist and agronomist, so no consultants needed. He is descended from the Romei Rigoli family who acquired the estate and its Medici villa in Poggio a Caiano in 1870. Rigoli also makes the wines for Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta in the Montepulciano region of Vino Nobile fame.

Staff: Manager (2005): Leonardo, a ‘contadino’ who has worked here since the 1960s.

Vineyards: 2005 18ha of vines, some of which came from Beppe Rigoli’s parents’ estate, and some of which are rented. Rigoli takes a Burgundy-style approach, having divided the estate into four distinct vineyard areas, each of which is stylistically different. 1) Le Vigne Alte Montalbiolo–see the wine of this name, below. 2) Vigna di Montefortini–see the wine of this name, below. 3) Santa Cristina in Pilli–see the wine of this name, below. 4) Elzana–see the wine of this name, below. | 2018 20 hectares.

Certification. 2018 First vintage with organic certification (due).

Winery: Just down the road from Piaggia on the outskirts of Poggio Caiano, not far from the Medici palace.

White wines

Trebbiano: 2015 Some skin maceration. | 2015 Bottled.

Pink wines

Rosato di Carmignano Vin Ruspo DOC: From Santa Cristina in Pilli and Montefortini. Calcareous alberese and sandstone (‘arenaria‘). 100-150 metres. 80% Sangiovese, 10% Uva Francesca (Cabernet), 10% Canaiolo Nero.

Red wines

Barco Reale di Carmignano DOC: From Santa Cristina in Pilli and Montefortini. Calcare alberese and sandstone (‘arenaria’). 100-150 metres. 75% Sangiovese, 10% Uva Francesca (Cabernet), 10% Canaiolo Nero, 10% other grapes.

Carmignano DOCG, Vigna di Santa Cristina in Pilli: The standard Carmignano comes from Santa Cristina a Pilli, a vineyard near Artimino on alberese plus clay (“calcare alberese”). 150 metres. South and south east facing. Planted in 1970, 1975, 1991 and 1998. Overall 75% Sangiovese, 10% Uva Francesca (Cabernet), 10% Canaiolo Nero, 10% Colorino, Syrah & Merlot. 3,300 vines/ha for the old vines and 6,150 vines-ha for the new vines. | 2002 Light, fresh, very good (Visit 7th March 2005). | 2013 Bottled.

Carmignano DOCG, Vigna di Montefortini: 100 (150?) metres. Arenaria. South and south west. Planted in 1970 and 1975. 80-85% Sangiovese, 10% Uva Francesca (Cabernet), 5% Canaiolo Nero, 5% other red grapes. 3,800 vines/ha; guyot.

Carmignano DOCG Riserva, Le Vigne Alte di Montalbiolo: From Le Vigne Alte Montalbiolo. 200 metres. Galestro and arenaria. South-east facing. Planted 1972 with 75% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Canaiolo and 5% Merlot. Sangiovese clones 779 and 775 I think. 110R rootstock chosen for the dry soil. 3,300 vines/ha. Guyot for the old vines and cordon for the newer ones. | 2001 Soft black fruit and width too, integrated alcohol and fine grained tannin (Visit 7th March 2005). | 2011 Bottled. | 2012 Bottled. | 2013 70% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo nero, 10% Uva Francesca (Cabernet). 24 months in oak, the first twelve in 350-500 litre tonneaux, the second twelve in Slavonian oak vats.

Carmignano DOCG Riserva, Vigna Elzana: 180 metres. Galestro and clay. South-facing. Planted from 1975 with 90% Sangiovese, 10% Uva Francesca (Cabernet). 3,300 vines/ha. Guyot. | 2001 Powerful, Pomerol-like plummy black fruit, hottish finish (Visit 7th March 2005). | 2011 Bottled.

70% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo nero, 10% Uva Francesca (Cabernet).

Sweet wines

Vin Santo di Carmignano DOC: 2007 Bottled. | 2008 Bottled.

Contact

Fattoria Ambra

Via Lombardia, 85

I-59015 Carmignano (PO), Italy

Tel+39 0554 86488 | Website: www.fattoriaambr.it.