Podere Le Ripi Cielo d'Ulisse Brunello di Montalcino 2015

Podere Le Ripi Cielo d'Ulisse Brunello di Montalcino 2015 is a poised, elegant expression of Sangiovese Grosso from one of Montalcino’s most thoughtful biodynamic estates. Named “Sky of Ulysses,” it captures both the breadth and depth that have made Brunello one of Italy’s most revered reds. Though it is considered the ‘younger sibling’ among Podere Le Ripi’s Brunelli, this 2015 stands firmly on its own with purity, finesse and classic Tuscan character.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2015 Cielo d’Ulisse shows a vibrant, deep ruby garnet core with a faintly brick-tinged rim that hints at its graceful evolution. The nose opens with pure red cherry and wild strawberry, followed by rose petals, dried herbs, cedar, blood orange peel and a subtle ferrous, mineral note that speaks of its stony soils. With air, more complexity emerges: hints of tobacco leaf, sweet spice and a touch of leather. On the palate, this Brunello is both refined and energetic, with juicy red and black cherry fruit framed by finely grained yet assertive tannins. Layers of cranberry, pomegranate, savory spice, dried thyme and a saline, almost graphite-like minerality give the wine tension and length. The acidity is bright and mouthwatering, providing lift and precision rather than weight. Already beautifully drinkable given the generous 2015 vintage, it still has the structure to develop further complexity over the next 8–12 years, gaining more tertiary notes of truffle, forest floor and cigar box with proper cellaring.

Production
Podere Le Ripi farms its Brunello vineyards biodynamically on the eastern side of Montalcino, where elevations are relatively high and the soils are rich in schist and fractured rock. This poorer, stony terroir naturally limits yields, concentrating flavor while contributing to the wine’s distinctive mineral backbone and freshness. Grapes are typically harvested by hand in small crates, allowing for rigorous selection in the vineyard and again at the winery. The Sangiovese Grosso berries are fermented with indigenous yeasts, often in large wooden vats or tanks, at controlled temperatures to preserve aromatic detail. Macerations are extended to gently extract color, tannin and complexity, followed by aging in large Slavonian or Austrian oak casks for several years, in keeping with traditional Brunello practice. The result is a wine that marries the power of the vintage with an emphasis on elegance, balance and a clear sense of place.

Food & Serving
Cielo d’Ulisse Brunello di Montalcino 2015 is a natural partner for classic Tuscan fare: bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised beef or wild boar ragù over pappardelle, roasted lamb, or aged pecorino Toscano. It also works beautifully with mushroom-based dishes, truffle risotto and herb-roasted game birds, where its savory complexity and bright acidity can shine. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Burgundy or Bordeaux-style glasses to allow the bouquet to open fully. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended, especially at this stage of maturity, to soften the tannins and reveal the wine’s more nuanced floral, spice and earthy notes.

Producer
Podere Le Ripi was founded in the late 1990s by Francesco Illy, of the famed Illy coffee family, with a vision to craft finely tuned, terroir-driven wines in Montalcino using biodynamic principles. Located on the eastern flank of the appellation, the estate quickly distinguished itself for its meticulous vineyard work and a philosophy that prioritizes soil health, biodiversity and long-term sustainability. In a region renowned for Brunello di Montalcino, Podere Le Ripi has carved out a reputation for producing particularly refined, articulate expressions of Sangiovese Grosso that balance energy with depth. Their Brunelli, including Cielo d’Ulisse, have earned growing international acclaim for their purity, precision and ageworthy structure, helping to highlight the diversity of Montalcino’s terroirs and the potential of biodynamic farming in this historic appellation.

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