Fattoria La Ripa

Our Property and History

La Ripa is located on the border between the provinces of Florence and Siena and within the territories of Barberino Val d’Elsa and Castellina in Chianti, in the heart of the Higher Chianti Classico, along the “Strada Provinciale dei Poggi” which runs from San Donato in Poggio to Castellina in Chianti. The farm of 40 hectares has about 14 hectares of vineyards, of which about 12 hectares are on the Register of Chianti Classico DOCG vineyards. The rest of the property is under olive groves, wheat fields and woodlands.

Winemaking at its Best

La Ripa’s terroirs have been closely associated with the production of wine throughout history. Historical documents in the National Archives show evidence of wine production on the estate already in 1457.

In the 15th century La Ripa belonged to Anton Maria di Noldo Gherardini, father of Monna Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci’s Gioconda). He gave part of the property to his daughter as her dowry for her marriage to Francesco di Bartolomeo di Zanobi del Giocondo.

The main house is already indicated on the maps of the “Capitani di Parte Guelfa” and is situated in proximity of an ancient “Via di Cresta” (Ridge Road) connecting the Val di Pesa and Florence with the Val d’Elsa and the “Via Francigena”, the principal route used by the crusaders from France and Northern Europe in their travels through Siena and Rome to Apulia, from where they sailed to the HolyLand.

Caramelli family started to modernize the production in 1940 and has been bottling and selling wines and Extra Virgin Olive Oil using this brand since1968.

Our Production

As from 2002 all cultivation has been carried out strictly in accordance with the regulations for organic farming and, therefore, Fattoria La Ripa’s products from 2006 are certified as ORGANIC (“biologico”) byBioagricert.

Most (80%) of our production of wines, olive oil and grappa is exported to the United States. Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Brasil Japan, China, UK  and to the countries of the European Union.

The traditional product of the winery is Chianti Classico DOCG Fattoria La Ripa, its Riserva, and the Gran Selezione, made from the best Sangiovese and Canaiolo grapes produced in the estate’s south facing vineyards at an altitude of 400m asl. In addition to Chianti Classico, the winery also produces a dry IGT wine (Supertuscan) called “Santa Brigida”.  This   wine,madefrom our selected Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grapes, is aged in French oak barriques.

Another traditional product is our Fattoria La Ripa Vinsanto D.O.C. of Chianti Classico, made from partially dried Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes with a small addition of Sangiovese, slowly fermented  and aged in sealed oak barrels for at least 10years.

Our Grappa Riserva is obtained from distillation of the fresh pomace in a discontinuous steam operated still, guaranteeing fruitiness and softness.

We also produce “Aceto Balsamico IGP Biologico”(Organic Balsamic Vinegar IGP), a fantastic seasoning for roasted, grilled and boiled beef, pork or chicken meat, that is also used to improve the taste of sweet desserts, such as strawberries and Ice Cream.

Last but not least, Santa Brigida’s low acidity Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is from the first cold pressing of olives grown on the property. The fruitiness of this olive oil, together with its low fat content and the absence of chemicals and preservatives, makes it ideal for dressing salads and for all the dishes of the Tuscan cuisine which require good quality olive oil.