Podere Le Ripi
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Country of Origin: Italy
Location: Castelnuovo dell’Abate
People: Francesco Illy, Owner | Sebastian Nasello, Winemaker & Partner
Viticulture: Certified Biodynamic
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We were excited to recently discover Podere Le Ripi, the neighbor of our longtime collaborator, Mastrojanni, in the primo part of Montalcino, Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Winemaker and now partner Sebastian Nasello welcomed us warmly for a marathon visit, tour and tasting that continued into town and ended at his natural wine bar in town. We were hooked and made our first order on the spot.
Podere Le Ripi began in the late 1990s as Francesco Illy’s personal project, built around the idea of creating a true farm, not just a winery. Today, it is a fully biodynamic estate operating as a living ecosystem, with vines alongside olive trees, gardens, bees, and animals, all shaped by a collaborative, community-driven culture. And speaking of winery, this design is like Gaudi meets Wright. It's the Tuscan version of the Guggenheim. Such an incredible place to learn about, make and drink wine. Wow.
The wines reflect that approach: expressive, energetic, and rooted in Montalcino, with a clear sense of art and nature and that “sense of place" is defined as much by people and energy as is it by land and terroir.