Who:
Where: Capoliveri, Isola d’Elba - Livorno • Tuscany - Italy
Founded:
Land: 18 hectares, 180 - 300 meters above sea level
Grapes: Vermentino, Aleatico, + Alicante
Appellation:
Viticulture: Organic
Training system:
Harvest: hand picking
Annual Production:
The Fattoria delle Ripalte farm on the Island of Elba is dedicated to the production exceptional wines with respect to the ancient history of the island. The Capo Calamita estate is now home to Tenuta delle Ripalte. It was purchased between the late 1800s and early 1900s by Oscar Tobler entrepreneur of a noble family of Swiss origin with a passion for agriculture seen from an economic but also social point of view.
The farm is located within the Tuscan Archipelago National Park , for this reason agronomic production follows the dictates of sustainable agriculture, fertilization is carried out with organic fertilizers, maximum control of weeds with mechanical processing or hoeing, no irrigation so as not to impoverish the scarce water supply.
In 2002 a vineyard of Aleatico was planted , the most famous and typical Elban wine , which covers about fifteen hectares distributed in 4 areas all above 180 meters above sea level to ensure greater ventilation in a rich volcanic soil of minerals with the result of a wine of absolute value and value.
Bianco Delle Ripalte
Grape variety: Vermentino
A well-traveled grape, Vermentino finds a happy home in the Isle of Elba, where sunny days provide the perfect warm condition for this maritime-friendly varietal. Dense, fleshy grapes are pressed gently and remain in contact with the fine lees for several months. The result is a wine plump in its mouthfeel, with striking mineral and saline content, cushioned by delicate notes of white plum, golden delicious apple, and sandalwood.
In the glass: straw yellow color, with golden reflections.
On the nose: intense and persistent, fine and elegant, white fruit and citrus fruits are highlighted, as well as a memory of Mediterranean scrub.
In the mouth: very balanced and fresh, harmonious and delicately fruity, good minerality and savory aftertaste, the hint of bitter almond is typical in the finish. In addition to the classic combinations with seafood and rustic island cuisine, Vermentino finds an ideal bond in raw fish-based appetizers, as well as in risotto, especially with asparagus; it also happily accompanies sweet cheeses, of medium consistency and not too seasoned.
With food: balanced and fresh, with great character and surprising minerality this is a real foodie wine. In addition to the classic combinations with seafood and rustic cuisine, it finds an ideal pairing in fish appetizers and happily accompanies cheeses that are not too seasoned.
Rosato Delle Ripalte
Grape variety: Aleatico
From the vineyards of Poggio Turco cultivated in Aleatico, the most famous and typical grape of the Elba Island, so loved by Napoleon. It is a new interpretation of an old grape variety, grown on the high terraces overlooking the sea on the southernmost tip of the island. The nose is most lovely with the common aromas of wild rose and the note of Mediterranean scrub; the structure, on the contrary, is light but does not deprive. The color of this Rosé approaches the thought of Tea rose and evokes sensations of freshness that are punctually found in the wine. This is a fun wine that you can be serious about, if you need.
In the glass: deep pink color, with golden reflections.
On the nose: aggressive, full of primary aromas, flowers and slightly caramelized fruit with a hint of Mediterranean scrub.
In the mouth: very balanced and fresh, harmonious and delicately fruity.
With food: In addition to the classic combinations with seafood and rustic island cuisine, the Rosato is perfect for raw fish-based appetizers, as well as in risotto, especially with asparagus; it also happily accompanies sweet cheeses, of medium consistency and not too seasoned.
Brut Rosato Delle Ripalte
Grape variety: Aleatico
The prized grape of the island, Aleatico, is featured in its sparkling iteration here. While most of the acclaim for Aleatico from Elba focuses on passitos, often overlooked are the rosatos made from the noble grape. With a rounded mouthfeel and a balanced acidity marked by lingering minerality, this charmat method rosato demonstrates the lovely, delicate alter ego of the otherwise bold grape. Lightly herbaceous on the nose, with Mediterranean floral qualities throughout.
In the glass: deep pink color.
On the nose: rich in primary aromas, flowers and fruit with a hint of Mediterranean scrub.
In the mouth: very balanced and fresh, harmonious and delicately fruity.
With food: In addition to the classic combinations with seafood and rustic island cuisine, the Brut Rosato delle Ripalte is found in crustaceans; an ideal bond in seafood. Very pleasant as an aperitif or to accompany the whole meal
Rosso Delle Ripalte
Grape variety: Alicante
Alicante is direct descendant of garnacha, and identical to cannonau, alicante expresses major variability based on its location. Here in Elba, the soil composition allows for grapes to ripen fully but difficultly; where the soil lacks nutrients, it is rich in quick-draining granite and mineral, shedding a powerfully mineral, lean light on an otherwise fat varietal. Beautiful opaque garnet color coats the glass of this wine misleadingly: the palate maintains freshness and a strong mineral quality throughout, with a more supple fruitiness than the color would imply. Soft baking spice and graphite develop in the bottle and glass.
In the glass: intense and lively ruby color.
On the nose: delicate, complex with hints of raspberry, black currant, ripe cherry and spicy notes.
In the mouth: in the mouth it is large and structured, fruity and floral, there is a minerality and freshness, a soft and velvety tannic expression. Wine of great character, harmonious, with a surprisingly elegant finish
With food: In addition to the classic combinations with traditional earthen dishes, Rosso delle Ripalte finds an ideal link in Tuscan seafood dishes with tomatoes, especially with cacciucco and baccalà alla livornese.
Aleatico dell'Elba DOCG
Born from tradition and the passion of a select few wineries on the island of Elba, passito d’aleatico dell’Elba is brimming with the warmth and character of the island itself. Only about 20 hectares of vineyards on the island are reserved for passito aleatico, and quantities of these island gems are limited.
Tenuta delle Ripalte alllows their aleatico grapes dry in direct sunlight, where sugars are concentrated and a depth of flavor develops. The wine then undergoes a very slow fermentation process that ends naturally, giving the wine a maturity beyond its years. Ripe jammy fruits are enveloped by secondary notes of tobacco, spice, and Mediterranean herbs.
AWARDS:
Gold Guide "I Vini di Veronelli" 2015: 3 stars (excellent wine)
The Espresso guides "I Vini d'Italia" 2015:Points: 92/100
