The fruit is hand-harvested at low yields. Temperature controlled fermentation (31C) occurs with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel with around 7 days (including some maceration on skins), followed by the malo-lactic fermentation. Ageing is carried out in used oak tonneaux (600-700 litres) for 12 months. The wine is lightly filtered but not fined prior to bottling.
Le Ragnaie winery is the property of Riccardo Campinoti and his wife Jennifer, who with the collaboration of their indispensable team of workers, pay meticulous attention to each and every phase of the winemaking process, striving to produce the best possible wines at every level. Le Ragnaie extends over 28 hectares in Montalcino, in the Province of Siena, in south western Tuscany. One third of Le Ragnaie’s vineyards are planted at the highest altitude of any across the entire Montalcino appellation (600 m.a.s.l). As one of the highest points, the area became famous amongst bird catchers, and hence the traditional bird catcher’s net featured in the brand imagery. The vineyards are farmed according to the guidelines for Organic Agriculture*. The Le Ragnaie vineyards are divided into three distinct parcels within Montalcino which allows Riccardo and Jennifer to produce three diverse ‘terroirs’ of Brunello:
Le Ragnaie: The vineyard is located in the central zone of Montalcino, at the highest elevation of any in Montalcino. Petroso: The vineyard is located along the Scarnacuoia Rd below the village of Montalcino, in the oldest winemaking part of the area. Castelnuovo dell’Abate: The vineyard is located in the southern sector of Montalcino in front of the Amiata Mountain.