Tuscan Collectibles: Castello dei Rampolla d’Alceo – The Vineyard

Brother and sister team Luca and Maurizia di Napoli are some of the most chilled winemakers in Italy at their estate of Castello dei Rampolla in the heart of Chianti Classico on the hillsides near the town of Panzano. Yet, they have such a dedication and passion for what they are doing and they do it in their own way. Their late father made the estate famous with its super Tuscan wine Sammarco, but the duo took Rampolla to the next level with the super Tuscany Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot blend d’Alceo. It’s why Castello dei Rampolla Toscana d’Alceo is my No. 9 wine in my list of the 12 Best Italian Collectible Wines.

Luca says that his estate is essentially biodynamic, meaning they don’t use inorganic fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and anything else that may be harmful to their unique local ecology, and follow many of the philosophies of philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner for biodynamic farming. Watch what Luca has to say in his vineyards when I ask him what the key is to the superb quality of his wine.