Rocca di Montegrossi is an organic estate in Monti in Chianti, a locality (‘frazione’) in Gaiole-in-Chianti in the Chianti Classico DOCG region of Tuscany, Italy. Vin Santo is also made, under the Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC.

Owner: The estate was purchased in 1994 by Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi. His branch of the Ricasoli family is related to that at Castello di Brolio, who played a central role in Chianti Classico’s history.

Vineyards: The estate covers 100 hectares (247 acres) near Monti in Chianti, about 4.3 miles (7 km) south of Gaiole in Chianti. Of this 20 hectares (49 acres) are vineyards. They occupy gentle south and southeast-facing hillsides with calcareous loamy soils. Elevation of 340 (1,115 feet) and 510 meters (1,670 feet) above sea level. The vineyards are planted primarily to the varietals traditionally grown in Chianti Classico, though there is also a small percentage of international varietals (from 1997). The primary varietal is Sangiovese, with 13 hectares, followed by Merlot, with 2.5 hectares, while the remaining 4.5 hectares are planted to Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pugnitello, and Malvasia Bianca del Chianti. Planting density ranges from 3,300 vines per hectare (1,350 vines per acre) in the older vineyards, trained to the unilateral horizontal cordon spur system, to between 5,208 and 6,211 vines per hectare in the more recent vineyards, which are trained to the bilateral horizontal cordon spur system and guyot.

Biodiversity: 60 hectares (148 acres) of woodland.

Rainwater collection: This is practised to save water when using sprays.

Organic certification: 2010 First vintage with full organic certification.

Winery: The cellars are near the Romanesque church of San Marcellino in Monti in Chianti. Solar panels.

Pink wines

Toscana Rosato IGT: 2017 100% Sangiovese.

Red wines

Chianti Classico DOCG, Rocca di Montegrossi: 2016 90% Sangiovese. 5% each Canaiolo and Colorino. Ages in French (Allier) oak. Lovely wild juicy fruit with savoury tannins. Bright, clear (Anteprima 2018). | 2015 90% Sangiovese, 6% Canaiolo, 4% Colorino. Bright wild fruit (Anteprima 2018).

Chianti Classico DOCG, Vigneto San Marcellino: 1993 Bottled.

Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva, Vigneto San Marcellino: Based on old vine Sangiovese (1960s), plus Pugnitello (planted 2006). Now a Gran Selezione (see below). | 1999 100 Sangiovese.

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione, Vigneto San Marcellino: Formerly a Riserva (see above), now a Gran Selezione. Based on old vine Sangiovese (1960s), plus Pugnitello (planted 2006). | 2013 93% Sangiovese, 7% Pugnitello.

Toscana Rosso IGT, Geremia: Formerly 100% Sangiovese, now a  Bordeaux-style blend. Mainly Merlot, plus Cabernet Sauvignon. French oak barrels. | 1999 100% Sangiovese.

Vin Santo wines

Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC: Made from Malvasia Bianca del Chianti. The bunches are air-dried naturally, and once pressed their juice ferments and ages in small oak casks (50 or 100 litres) made from a variety of woods (oak cherry, mulberry). | 2009 Soft, rich, clear (Anteprima 2020).

Olive oil: 20 hectares (49 acres) of olive groves (about a thousand Coreggiolo and Moraiolo trees). The olive groves are planted in the traditional ‘coltura promiscua’ (‘promiscuous culture’) manner, interspersed with other fruit trees, and are pruned to the traditional polyconic vase system.

Contact

Rocca di Montegrossi

Localita S Marcellino

Frazione Monti in Chianti

53013 Gaiole in Chianti (SI), Italy

Tel+39 0577.747977 | Website: www.roccadimontegrossi.it