Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2464 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Matt Irwin IWA interviews Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi of Rocca di Montegrossi from Gaiole in Chianti Classico.
These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.
Key Learning Objectives:
Gain a deeper understanding of the history of Chianti Classico and the legacy of the Ricasoli-Firidolfi family.
Explore the current estate of Rocca di Montegrossi, including the opportunities and challenges of managing the historic “San Marcellino” vineyard.
Examine how shifting environmental, economic, and industry dynamics are shaping viticulture, winemaking, and future directions for Chianti Classico.
More about our Co-host:
Matt Irwin grew up in Brisbane, Australia and graduated with a Bachelor of Business in Hospitality Management before moving to Europe to work as a Tour Manager for Contiki Holidays. It was whilst living in Venice and leading tours throughout Europe that his love for wine began. Moving to Calgary, Canada in 2005 with his Canadian wife, he started selling some of Italian greatest wines to Canada’s best restaurants and wine shops. Returning to Australia in 2012, he spent 11 years working for the leading Australian Italian wine importer, Trembath and Taylor, where he championed many of Italy’s greatest growers and winemakers. Recently taking a position as Business Development for Australia & New Zealand with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust to follow his passion for wine education. He is currently a Stage 2 Master of Wine Student with a motto of Never Stop Learning and, most importantly, was awarded the Italian Wine Ambassador in April 2023.
Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipwine/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-irwin-8b057533
More about today’s guest:
Rocca di Montegrossi is located in the heart of Chianti Classico, in the town of Monti in Chianti, within the municipality of Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany. The winery is situated near the Romanesque church of San Marcellino, in an area characterized by rolling hills, limestone soils, and an altitude ranging from 340 to 510 meters above sea level. The fortress 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.
The estate produces two Chianti Classicos, both based on Sangiovese. To increase the complexity of the wines, two indigenous complementary varietals are added: Canaiolo and Pugnitello. Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi, the current owner, personally oversees all the operations in the vineyards.
Connect:
Website: https://roccadimontegrossi.it/en/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roccadimontegrossi/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoccadiMontegrossi/?locale=it_IT
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Until next time, Cin Cin!
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