2021 Le Ragnaie Troncone Toscana Rosso

Light and ethereal yet structured and complex. Tart red cherries, blackberries and strawberries intertwine with crushed flowers, peppery herbs and earthy mineral tones. WINEMAKING Grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed, and table sorted. The grape musts are then placed in cement vats to begin maceration and fermentation. They remain in these vats for 25-40 days. After pressing, they are placed in barrel—both 25hl Slavonian oak and 225-liter Allier oak barrels. The Rosso di Montalcino stays in oak for nine months (a mix of sizes) and the Brunello di Montalcino rests for 36-48 months in 25hl Slavonian oak barrels. Next, the wine is bottled and rests in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment until it is ready for release. Le Ragnaie is known for its elegant, terroir-driven wines that stand out in this Tuscan powerhouse category. The owner and winemaker, Riccardo Campinoti, acquired the property in 2002 and now farms 15.5 hectares of some of the highest altitude vineyards in Montalcino. Le Ragnaie’s wines are made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso and exhibit elegance and finesse. All four Brunello wines are fermented in concrete without selected yeast followed by a long maceration of up to 90 days and three years in large Slavonian oak botti. All wines are bottled unfiltered and certified organic in the vineyards and cellar. THE VINEYARDS All vineyards are worked following the strict guidelines of organic agriculture. Le Ragnaie uses no chemical fertilizers (only minimal use of Bordeaux mixture and powdered sulfur) and plants cover crops (legumes, clovers, and grasses) in the fall in lieu of fertilizer. This helps to regenerate the land after a long summer season and to enrich the organic matter in the soil. Additionally, the diversity of plants in the vineyard prevents superficial erosion and enhances water absorption and retention. Plus, it provides an important habitat for many species of animals and insects. Taken as a whole, this guarantees the formation of an ecosystem full of life, which is essential to the health of the vines. The Le Ragnaie vineyards are divided into three distinct parcels of land throughout Montalcino, which allows the winery to produce three diverse ‘terroirs’ of Brunello: