Our experience with Le Ragnaie goes back over a decade. Our friend Ceri imported their wines to the US and their Rosso di Montalcino was a favorite when we lived in San Francisco. We finally had the opportunity to visit the estate over a gorgeous autumn weekend, and here’s our take.
Le Ragnaie turns this giant hill on its head with organic farming practices, low-intervention winemaking, and vineyards planted at the highest point in all of Montalcino. The views from the hilltop are striking, and the wines are as balanced as the retreat they’ve built on the estate. The elevation adds freshness and restraint that’s uncommon for the region.
Our son remembers Le Ragnaie mostly because they have huge pigs, a flock of chickens, and the swimming pool overlooking the hillside vineyards. The property offers well-appointed guest rooms and apartments with fully equipped kitchens. The decor is elegant refined minimalist interriors. Not the ornate traditional Italian decor. We fully enjoyed our apartment. Once you’ve made your way to the highest point in Montalcino, you’re not inclined to drive back down, so we cooked in, drank wine, and settled for the night.
To sum it up, the location is impressive, the accommodations are comfortable, and the wine stands out in the area. If you’re looking for a wine-focused stay in Tuscany, Le Ragnaie is an easy place to return to after tasting elsewhere.
Note: Le Ragnaie provided support for the reporting of this story.