Rocca Di Montegrossi

Cantina e Vini

Located in the Commune of Gaiole in Chianti, Rocca di Montegrossi was established by Geremia, founder of the Ricasoli-Firidolfi family, during the Longobard period (VII-VIII Centuries AD). It is strategically located, dominating much of Chianti and the Valdarno Superiore, and has had an adventurous, rich, and at times dramatic history. During the reign of Frederick II, also known as Frederick the Great, the Rocca was the Imperial Seat. And it was at the heart of many battles, suffering serious damage many times, for example in 1172 at the hands of the Florentines. It was then rebuilt by the Aragons, and razed by Charles V's troops in 1530.

The estate produces two Chianti Classicos. Both are based on Sangiovese, which, in this area, yields an extremely elegant, balanced wine with pleasant minerality. To further increase the complexity of the wines, three indigenous complementary varietals are added: Canaiolo (in 2000 a further vineyard was planted using cuttings from select vines in the estate's older vineyards), Colorino, and Pugnitello. Monti in Chianti is one of the areas of Chianti best suited to the cultivation of the vine, and because of this Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi decided to also plant varietals that have nothing to do with tradition, but that allow different expressions of the land. In other words, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. These varietals, planted in 1997, are used to make an IGT Toscana: Geremia, a 65-35% Merlot- Cabernet Sauvignon blend that offers a different interpretation of the potential of the terroir. In fact, while Marco's Chianti Classico, though produced in a modern style, remains tied to the history of Chianti, Geremia represents the land's challenge to non-indigenous varietals. These wines are flanked by the Rosato, and a renowned Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC, the classic wine of the region, and more importantly, the winemaker's great love.