“Ridolfo” Rosso Toscano IGT 2018 (BIO) · MAGNUM in OWC

Rocca di Montegrossi | Tuscany
Rocca di Montegrossi | Loc. Monti in Chianti | IT 53013 Gaiole in Chianti

29262918 · 1,5 l · 79,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi, the 37th generation of a family that has lived in Gaiole in Chianti since the Lombard era, dedicates this wine to an ancestor of the 10th century: Ridolfo, son of Geremia, founder of the Firidolfi branch. A wine as a family memory – and an experiment. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Pugnitello. Pugnitello, an indigenous Tuscan variety that almost disappeared from the vineyards, grows on the chalky-clay hills of Gaiole, certified organic, between 340 and 510 metres. In the blend, it gives wild cherry fruit, pepper and rusticity – characteristics, which the Cabernet frames with linearity and fine herbal depth. Hand-picked, wild yeasts, 24 months in Allier barriques and tonneau, 36 months bottle ageing. Exclusively in magnum, hand-numbered.

2018 brought rain. Organic cultivation in a wet season requires vigilance – intensive vineyard work and precise selection. The well-ventilated location of Gaiole helped. Ridolfo 2018 shows what wet vintages can achieve: Freshness and precision instead of opulence. The nose reveals blueberry, blackberry, lavender, liquorice and charred earth. Taut and lean on the palate, with long persistence, red plum, raspberry, lively acidity and finely polished tannins. Its best days still lie ahead. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, elegant ruby colour, rich to the rim. Intense aroma of preserved cherries and plums on the nose, slightly fleshy and richly flavoured. On the palate with a well-developed fruit core, grippy, present and tightly woven tannins, has developed very well since last year, rich pressure on the palate, brooding." Falstaff

"Cabernet Sauvignon and Pugnitello, matured in wood and filled in the magnum: Exciting notes of stone fruit and liquorice on the nose; compact on the palate with well-built tannins and a long-lasting acidity, then elegant progression to a finely chiselled cassis finish. Successful." Vinum

"A balanced and reductive wine with flavours of cassis, black cherry and leather as well as a spicy, meaty and earthy depth. Also a floral bouquet. The attack is velvety, with medium body and crisp acidity. The lean, refined mid-palate is juicy, with chalky tannins, but overall fresh and elegant." James Suckling

"This red wine has matured, the blackcurrant, black cherry and plum fruit has softened, while the dense tannins are well integrated. Eucalyptus, mint and iron elements add complexity, while the ripe fruit carries over into the long finish. Balanced and ready to savour." Wine Spectator

"The Ridolfo 2018 is great. Aromatic and wonderfully elegant, it is so expressive today. The 2018 doesn't have the structure of the 2016 or the opulence of the 2017, but it more than makes up for it with its wonderfully harmonious personality. Black cherry, mocha, spices, tobacco and dried flowers take shape over time." Vinous