Rocca di Montegrossi
Summary
Rocca di Montegrossi, owned by Baron Ricasoli's direct descendant Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi, cultivates 20 hectares of predominantly Sangiovese vineyards at 340-510 meters elevation in Gaiole in Chianti, producing a focused portfolio centered on Chianti Classico. The estate combines historical significance with certified organic viticulture, indigenous yeast fermentations, and traditional aging in Slavonian oak casks, maintaining an eight-century family legacy that dates to 1141.
Heritage & Leadership
Rocca di Montegrossi takes its name from the historic fortress that once stood on the hill of Montegrossi in the commune of Gaiole in Chianti. The estate is owned and managed by Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi, a direct descendant of the Baron Bettino Ricasoli, who created the original formula for Chianti wine in the 19th century. The Ricasoli family has been connected to this land since 1141, with documented vineyard ownership in the Chianti region dating back centuries.
Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi established the modern incarnation of Rocca di Montegrossi in 1994, revitalizing family vineyards in the hamlet of Monti in Chianti. The property includes the San Marcellino vineyard, named after a church that dates to the 7th century, representing one of the oldest documented vineyard sites in the Chianti Classico denomination. Under Marco's direction, the estate has maintained its historical connection to the land while implementing precise viticultural and winemaking practices.
Vineyards & Wines
Rocca di Montegrossi encompasses 100 hectares, with 20 hectares dedicated to vineyards situated at elevations between 340 and 510 meters above sea level. The vineyards are planted primarily in the Monti in Chianti area, in the eastern part of the Chianti Classico appellation. The soils vary across the property, featuring a mix of galestro (schistous clay), alberese (limestone), and sandstone that contribute to the distinctive character of the wines.
The estate grows Sangiovese (85% of plantings), complemented by Pugnitello, Colorino, Canaiolo, Malvasia Nera, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon for red varieties. A small portion is dedicated to Malvasia Bianca del Chianti for the estate's Vin Santo. The flagship San Marcellino vineyard contains Sangiovese vines that are over 50 years old, planted in 1966, alongside younger Pugnitello vines added in 2000. The estate produces Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva San Marcellino, the IGT Toscana Geremia (a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon), a Rosato, and Vin Santo del Chianti Classico.
Philosophy & Practice
At Rocca di Montegrossi, vineyard management follows certified organic principles, with official certification obtained in 2010. The estate employs green harvesting to control yields and ensure optimal ripening, with all grapes harvested by hand and sorted both in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts, allowing for the expression of the estate's terroir.
The aging regimen varies by wine: the Chianti Classico spends 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks (30-50 hectoliters), while the Riserva San Marcellino ages for 24 months in French oak barrels (primarily used, with a small percentage of new oak). The Geremia matures for 24 months in French barriques and tonneaux. The Vin Santo follows traditional methods, with grapes dried for months before pressing, followed by aging in small caratelli barrels for a minimum of six years. Throughout the production process, Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi emphasizes minimal intervention to preserve the character of the fruit and the expression of the estate's historic terroir.