The People
Riccardo Lepri’s family has produced artisan wines for nearly sixty years at the Montauto estate. His grandfather farmed the vineyards until 2002, when Riccardo decided to change his life. After graduating in economics and business, he started a project of winemaking. Working alongside winemaker Fabrizio Moltard, he realized that due to the soil’s composition and a sea-side exposition, conditions were ideal to produce early ripening grapes.
Click below to hear more about Tenuta Montauto, direct from owner Riccardo Lepri:
The Vineyards
Maremma used to be a wild, swampy backwater and viticulture was only introduced to the region in the 19th century. Located 200 metres above sea level on a clay rich soil, Montauto’s vineyards benefit from a cooling sea breeze and large diurnal temperature. Riccardo follows sustainable principles with minimum intervention, hand harvesting and use of natural fertilizers. The 14ha of vines are planted with 60% white (Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Malvasia and Grechetto) and 40% red grape varieties (Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo and Merlot).
The Wines
The hare present on the label is related to Riccardo’s surname Lepri, meaning hare in Italian.
Sparkling
Metodo Classico Brut
White
Vermentino
Gessaia
Enos 1
Rosé
Staccione
Red
Silio Ciliegiolo
Pinot Noir