Le Ragnaie winery
Le Ragnaie is a distinguished wine estate located in the heart of Montalcino, Tuscany, known for its commitment to expressing the unique terroirs of the region through elegant, terroir-driven wines. Founded by Riccardo and Jennifer Campinoti in 2003, the estate encompasses approximately 28 hectares, with 15 hectares under vine. The vineyards are notable for their extraordinary altitude, with some of the highest plots in Montalcino reaching up to 621 meters above sea level, which contributes to the freshness and finesse found in the wines.
The estate’s vineyards are spread across three distinct areas: Le Ragnaie, Petroso, and Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Each site brings a unique character to the wines, allowing for a nuanced exploration of Montalcino’s diverse soils and microclimates. The Le Ragnaie vineyard, situated on the highest part of the Montalcino hill, is characterized by galestro and alberese soils, while Petroso, one of the region’s oldest vineyard areas, offers a more classic expression. Castelnuovo dell’Abate, located in the southern part of the appellation, imparts a richer, more powerful style to the wines.
Le Ragnaie practices organic viticulture, with a philosophy centered on minimal intervention both in the vineyard and the cellar. The estate avoids the use of synthetic chemicals, opting instead for natural treatments and manual labor to maintain healthy vines and soils. This approach extends to the cellar, where fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts and aging takes place in large Slavonian oak casks, allowing the Sangiovese grape to fully express its character without excessive influence from wood.
The estate produces a range of wines, including Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino, and several single-vineyard bottlings that showcase the unique qualities of each plot. Le Ragnaie’s Brunellos are celebrated for their purity, balance, and age-worthiness, displaying vibrant acidity, refined tannins, and layered aromatics of red fruit, earth, and spice. The single-vineyard wines, such as Vigna Vecchia and Fornace, highlight the estate’s dedication to terroir and the potential of Sangiovese in different contexts.
In addition to their commitment to quality and sustainability, Riccardo and Jennifer Campinoti have played an active role in the Montalcino community, advocating for transparency and authenticity in winemaking. Their approach has earned them a loyal following among wine enthusiasts and critics alike, who appreciate the clarity and precision of their wines.
Le Ragnaie’s dedication to organic farming, respect for traditional winemaking methods, and exploration of Montalcino’s varied terroirs have positioned the estate as a benchmark for contemporary Brunello. With each vintage, the estate continues to refine its expression of Sangiovese, offering wines that are both true to their origins and reflective of the passion and vision of their creators.