2020 Podere Le Ripi, Brunello di Montalcino, Cielo d'Ulisse

This is a world-class expression of Sangiovese from Podere Le Ripi, the Demeter-certified biodynamic estate founded by coffee heir Francesco Illy in 1997. It is led by winemaker Sebastian Nasello, who crafts pure, energetic wines with minimal sulfur. This Brunello is sourced from Le Ripi’s vineyards on the cooler, western slopes of the Montalcino appellation in Tuscany, specifically the Camigliano area. These alluvial soils of clay and sand are crucial for maintaining freshness and elegance, especially in warmer vintages like 2020. The 2020 Cielo d'Ulisse offers incredible depth and complexity, with brilliant ruby color and aromas of candied cherry, blood orange, sweet herbs over a savory, stony minerality. It’s a beautifully structured, age-worthy wine (ready now but can go 10-15 years) that represents one of the most thoughtful, community-centered, and architecturally stunning estates in Montalcino.