Ampeleia

Ampeleia was originally established by a group of friends, including Elisabetta Foradori, a renowned Trentino winemaker, along with Giovanni Podini and Thomas Widmann. Foradori played a key role in shaping the winery’s philosophy, but today, Ampeleia is managed by a dedicated team led by Marco Tait, who has been with the estate since its inception. Under his guidance, the winery has embraced biodynamic practices and developed a strong identity within the Maremma.

The winery was founded in 2002 with the idea of producing wines that reflect the complexity of the landscape surrounding Roccatederighi. From the beginning, Ampeleia focused on organic and later biodynamic farming, avoiding chemicals and promoting biodiversity. Initially influenced by Elisabetta Foradori’s approach to terroir-driven winemaking, the estate has evolved into a highly regarded producer in the Maremma, known for its refined, mineral-driven wines.

Ampeleia is based in Roccatederighi, a medieval village in the upper Maremma, within the province of Grosseto. This part of Tuscany is distinct from more famous regions like Chianti or Montalcino, offering a cooler climate due to its proximity to the sea and higher altitude vineyards. The winery’s vineyards are spread across different altitudes, from 200 to 600 metres above sea level, allowing for a range of expressions in its wines.

The estate comprises around 35 hectares of vineyards planted at varying altitudes. The lower vineyards (200-300m) are warmer and suited to Mediterranean varieties like Grenache, while the higher plots (450-600m) are cooler and ideal for Cabernet Franc. Ampeleia follows biodynamic principles, focusing on biodiversity, natural composting, and minimal intervention in the vineyard. The mix of altitudes and soils—ranging from sandstone to clay and schist—adds complexity to the wines.

Ampeleia follows a low-intervention winemaking approach, using spontaneous fermentations with native yeasts, gentle extractions, and ageing primarily in concrete or neutral vessels. The goal is to maintain purity and freshness while allowing the terroir to express itself fully. The winery avoids excessive oak influence and prioritises balance and elegance in its wines.

Ampeleia’s wines reflect the diversity of its vineyard sites. ‘Ampeleia’, the flagship wine, is based on Cabernet Franc and showcases depth, herbal complexity, and minerality. The winery's most accessible, and arguably popular, is Unlitro,  a light, juicy red designed for early drinking. The winery also produces ‘Ampeleia Bianco’, made from indigenous white grapes.

Ampeleia welcomes visitors by appointment, offering guided vineyard tours and tastings at the estate. The experience highlights the winery’s biodynamic practices, diverse vineyard landscapes, and unique approach to winemaking in Maremma. The setting in Roccatederighi provides a scenic backdrop for exploring both the wines and the region.