Storia
Medieval origins
The estate’s architectural history reaches back to the eleventh century. The building began as an oratory, and its surviving medieval tower remains the oldest explicitly dated element of the property. Over the centuries, the complex developed into the castle and villa that now overlook Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hills.
1947: Ruffino’s first Chianti Classico estate
In 1947, during Ruffino’s post-war reconstruction, the company acquired the Castello di Montemasso. It was Ruffino’s first estate in Chianti Classico and the first Tuscan property belonging to Tenute Ruffino S.r.l. Società Agricola.
The acquisition coincided with an important harvest and the creation of Riserva Ducale Oro. The wine originated at Montemasso and was distinguished from Riserva Ducale by its gold label, conceived as the emblem of a more ambitious, ageworthy Chianti Classico. The 1947 release subsequently became a central part of Ruffino’s historical narrative.
Research, restoration and renewal
Sangiovese has long been cultivated at Montemasso. More recent agronomic research established that the estate’s conditions also suit Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Colorino—an old Tuscan variety once close to being forgotten—forms another part of the estate’s varietal heritage.
The vineyards, planted across steep slopes, have recently been replanted in their entirety. The castle and villa have also undergone careful restoration and adaptation for contemporary use while retaining historic fabric and the character of the original complex.
The estate today
Montemasso now comprises 141 ha, including 30 ha of vineyards. It remains associated with Chianti Classico and with the historical development of Riserva Ducale Oro. The restored castle also operates as an eight-room country retreat and event venue, combining the estate’s viticultural role with hospitality.
Terroir
Montemasso lies in the Chianti Classico wine region, south of Florence, within the municipality of Greve in Chianti. The castle occupies an elevated position with views towards Florence and across the Tuscan hills.
The estate covers 141 ha, of which 30 ha are under vine. Its vineyards occupy steep slopes. One documented single-vineyard Colorino site lies at approximately 300 m above sea level in the hills between Florence and Siena. Its soil contains abundant clay and galestro, balanced by limestone and small proportions of silt.
Sangiovese has a long history at Montemasso. Agronomic studies also identified conditions favourable to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while Colorino preserves a connection with an old Tuscan variety that had nearly fallen out of cultivation.
Vinificazione
Montemasso’s steeply sloping vineyards have recently been replanted in their entirety. Agronomic research has been used to assess the relationship between varieties and site conditions, confirming the long-standing role of Sangiovese while identifying favourable conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
The estate falls within Ruffino’s property-wide environmental programme. The programme began its biodiversity work in 2014 and obtained Biodiversity Friend certification from the World Biodiversity Association in 2018. It encompasses the conservation of local flora and fauna, responsible land use, water conservation, environmentally attentive pest control and afforestation.
Vineyard management combines organic conversion with integrated agriculture and precision viticulture. Sensors and decision-support software are used to reduce chemical inputs. Other declared practices include green manure, responsible water use, Water Footprint monitoring, improved wastewater treatment, separate waste collection and recycling. The organic programme was framed as a transition across all estates, with full conversion targeted for 2024.
In FY 2022, Montemasso produced 102,920 kg of grapes.
Filosofia
Montemasso presents itself as a custodian of Tuscan wine tradition. Its identity joins the preservation of a centuries-old castle, a long association with Sangiovese and the recovery of Colorino with agronomic research, vineyard renewal and contemporary use of the restored property.
The broader approach applied to the estate treats land stewardship and biodiversity as integral to wine quality. It combines respect for inherited places and viticultural history with modern research, precision tools, lower-input farming and organic conversion. The stated objective is a production system capable of continuing without exhausting the natural resources on which it depends.