Le Ragnaie Toscana Bianco 2021

The Land:

Perched atop one of the highest points in Montalcino, Le Ragnaie’s vineyards capture the essence of Tuscany’s diverse landscape. The estate’s position at over 600 meters above sea level, combined with a mix of clay, limestone, and galestro soils, creates an ideal environment for cultivating expressive white varieties. The high altitude and sun-drenched, breezy slopes promote a slow ripening process, preserving natural acidity and aromatic depth. Tuscany’s Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm days and cool nights, contributes to the wine’s vibrant structure and distinctive freshness, showcasing a side of the region often overshadowed by its celebrated reds.

The Wine:

Crafted from a blend of 50% Trebbiano and 50% Malvasia, Le Ragnaie Toscana Bianco is a complex and textured expression of Tuscany’s white varietals, with just 3,200 bottles produced. Fermented in stainless steel vats with no selected yeasts, the wine undergoes a five-day maceration on the skins at a maximum temperature of 30°C, without temperature control. Malolactic fermentation adds a roundness to the palate, balancing its lively acidity. On the nose, the wine reveals aromas of stone fruits, citrus blossom, and almond, while the palate offers layers of poached pear, lemon zest, and a subtle salinity, all underpinned by a firm mineral core. Aged for 24 months in 26-hectoliter Acacia oak vats, the wine gains additional depth and texture. It is filtered but left unclarified, retaining a rustic yet elegant character.

The People:

Winemaker Riccardo Campinoti leads Le Ragnaie with a philosophy of organic farming and a commitment to traditional methods. His approach to making white wine emphasizes minimal intervention: gentle handling, natural fermentation, and no temperature control during vinification allow the wine to evolve authentically. By aging the wine in Acacia oak rather than the more common oak barrels, Riccardo preserves the purity of the fruit while adding nuanced layers and texture to the wine’s profile. His hands-off approach, combined with a meticulous attention to detail, results in a distinctive, terroir-driven white wine that reflects both the rugged beauty of Montalcino’s high-altitude vineyards and the heritage of Tuscany’s native varieties.