Ripa delle Mandorle Rosso 2010

When it comes to drinks competitions the International Wine and Spirit Competition is one of the world's longest running and most prestigious. The IWSC has named John Matta, who made this little cracker of a wine, Italian Winemaker of the Year four times. This is an incredible achievement and shows just how good John's wines are. What is even better is that he was born and raised in London, so one of the best winemakers in Italy is actually a Brit. Hoorah!
Four times voted IWSC Italian Winemaker of the year, English born John Matta continues to produce wonderful wines from the Castello Vicchiomaggio Estate. Castello Vicchiomaggio produces several styles of wine, from the traditional to the innovative. In order to do this the estate has been carefully classified according to its soil type and exposure. Each wine is named after a specific vineyard area. All production and winemaking is supervised by John. The estate is totally family run, thus ensuring a unique and identifiable style of wine. With 150 hectares, the estate is one of the largest in the area. The making of wine on the land surrounding Vicchiomaggio is an ancient tradition and John and his wife Paola are keen to preserve this. Vicchiomaggio policy is to produce the highest possible quality wines from their Estate grown grapes. This policy has seen them rewarded with numerous awards.