Francesco Ripaccioli
CANALICCHIO DI SOPRA – MONTALCINO, TUSCANY (BORN 1987)
The youngest of three siblings, Francesco Ripaccioli started working at his family’s 19ha estate at the age of 20. He immediately started travelling abroad to rekindle relationships that were neglected after his grandfather’s failing health forced him to retire in 1999. Ripaccioli and his brother Marco (who is responsible for viticulture) come together in the cellar, allying their respective market and vineyard expertise.
Ripaccioli’s youthful enthusiasm is offset by a mature business sense – he studied economics and commerce. ‘We have a responsibility when we put a Brunello on the market. It isn’t only Canalicchio di Sopra, it also represents the territory.’ For Ripaccioli, this applies equally to Rosso di Montalcino. When he started in 2007, the winery was only producing 2,000 bottles a year. Now the annual production is 40,000 bottles. While the Rosso has become fundamental in preserving the high quality of Canalicchio di Sopra’s Brunello, Ripaccioli also considers it an accessibly priced ambassador for the region. ‘Rosso represents the wine of our generation,’ he asserts.
Canalicchio di Sopra, Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2018 90
£ 12.58 (ib) Fine & Rare
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together. Drink 2021-2026 Alc 14%